Injury concerns have been a big blow to the franchise in the ongoing season of the Indian Premier League as many top players are set to miss out on the action. Jasprit Bumrah, who was expected to return for the IPL has been ruled out of the tournament and is one of the big miss of the season alongside Rishabh Pant, who is still recovering after the tragic accident in December 2022.
England opener Jonny Bairstow will also miss the season and Punjab Kings will hugely miss his service. Indian middle order batsman and KKR skipper Shreyas Iyer is also ruled out of action which seems to be a body blow to the two times champion who are now led by Nitish Rana.
While the injury can be devastating for the franchises as it will impact their best playing 11 but the injury bench strength is so strong that it can actually form an undefeatable IPL team, here’s a look.
Openers
Jonny Bairstow and Will Jacks– Both the Englishmen can be suited for the job as they can be fruitful enough in the powerplay. Bairstow was originally bought by Punjab Kings and Jacks was with Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Middle order
Kane Williamson, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant and Rajat Patidar- These four cricketers are enough to be the backbone of any team and their individual brilliance can win any match for their side. Kane was originally injured while playing the first match of the season for his team Gujarat Titans against heavyweights Chennai Super Kings on 31st of March.
Shreyas Iyer was to lead KKR but a impinged nerve caused by a bulged disc in the lower back area on the right side has ousted him from the action and is also set to miss the world test championship finals. Rishabh Pant is still recovering from the after affects of the tragic accident which happened in December 2022 and no update is possible on his return to cricket in the near future. David Warner replaced him as the captain to lead Delhi Capitals this season.
Rajat Patidar suffered a heel injury and was ruled out of the entire season which comes as a body blow to RCB who are already without the services of Will Jacks and Josh Hazlewood.
Bowlers
Kyle Jamieson, Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, Mukesh Choudhary and Mohsin Khan– CSK suffered a huge blow with the ouster of their all rounder Kyle Jamieson from the tournament. The Kiwi all rounder can be devastating with the ball and can be used as a power hitter down the order as well.
Mumbai Indians added Jofra Archer last season to play a dream pair of Jasprit Bumrah and Archer from 2023 season but the things are not going in their favour. Archer was unavailable for the last season but Bumrah participated, now the latter is out due to injury and the former is plying his trade for the 5 times champion.
Rajasthan Royals will miss the services of Prasidh Krishna while Chennai Super Kings will be without the services of Mukesh Choudhary. Mohsin Khan who impressed everyone last season will be out of action for Lucknow Super Giants.