THE INJURY PLAGUE
IPL 2024 teams on shaky ground ahead of kickoff
As the highly anticipated 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) approaches, set to kick off with a thrilling match between defending champions Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, the excitement is palpable.
However, the buzz surrounding the tournament is tempered by a series of unfortunate injury blows that have rocked IPL franchises, casting shadows over their preparations and strategies for the upcoming season.
Injuries have struck several key players, leaving teams scrambling to adjust their lineups and tactics accordingly. While some franchises face the daunting prospect of navigating the entire tournament without their star performers, others hold onto hope, praying for the return of their injured cricketers during the crucial latter stages of the league.
For Mumbai Indians, the absence of Matheesha Pathirana, affectionately dubbed as the 'new-gen Malinga', adds to their injury woes. The Sri Lankan pacer, known for his lethal bowling, sustained a hamstring injury during a recent T20I series against Bangladesh, sidelining him for at least the initial phase of IPL 2024.
Elsewhere, Suryakumar Yadav, the dynamic India T20I batter, continues his recovery from a sports hernia that necessitated surgery last December. His is likely to miss the initial stages of IPL, leaving a void in their batting lineup until his eventual comeback.
Adding to Mumbai Indians' woes is the absence of Dilshan Madushanka, the promising Sri Lankan pacer recruited following his impressive performances in the 2023 ODI World Cup.
Madushanka's hamstring injury sustained during Sri Lanka's tour to Bangladesh means he will miss the early stages of IPL 2024, further depleting Mumbai's bowling resources.
Lungi Ngidi, the pacer who was retained by his franchise prior to the auction, finds himself sidelined due to an ongoing ankle issue sustained during the Test. In his absence, the Chennai Super Kings have enlisted the services of Australian allrounder Jake FraserMcGurk, who recently made
his international debut, to bolster their squad.
Meanwhile, Mohammed Shami, the formidable Indian speedster, remains sidelined following ankle surgery stemming from an injury sustained during the 2023 ODI World Cup. Shami's absence poses a significant setback for his franchise, with Gujarat Titans.
Another casualty on the injury list is Robin Minz, the promising wicketkeeper-batsman from Jharkhand, who captured headlines after securing a lucrative contract
with Gujarat Titans.
Joining the ranks of sidelined players is Prasidh Krishna, the talented Indian fast bowler who impressed with his performances for the Royals last season. Unfortunately, Prasidh's IPL campaign has been abruptly halted due to surgery on his left proximal quadriceps tendon, leaving a void in his team's bowling lineup. Devon Conway, the explosive opener, faces an extended spell on the sidelines following a thumb surgery, a setback suffered during a T20I match against Australia.