The 16th edition of the Indian T20 League is all set to go into action with just under a week left for its commencement. However, the biggest challenge for the teams this season has been the bulk of injuries ahead of the start of the season.
Seven players have already been ruled out of the tournament, and five others are unsure whether they will compete. Except for the Aiden Markram-led Hyderabad and defending champions Gujarat, all teams have suffered some blows ahead of the tournament.
Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah, and Shreyas Iyer have suffered the most serious injuries. Pant was in a car accident in December of last year and was severely injured. He had a few surgeries and has been recovering ever since. Bumrah, on the other hand, has not played for India since September 2022. He’s had back problems and has missed some major tournaments and series as a result. He, too, recently underwent surgery in New Zealand.
As for Iyer, he has been in and out of the Indian team recently. He missed the first Test against Australia but returned to play after that. However, he did not bat in the fourth Test as he, too, suffered a back problem. While there is no official confirmation, he is expected to undergo surgery soon.
Apart from these players, Punjab’s Jonny Bairstow, Chennai’s Kyle Jamieson, Mumbai’s Jhye Richardson, Bangalore’s Will Jacks, and Rajasthan’s Prasidh Krishna have been ruled out for the tournament. The respective franchises have also announced replacements for some of these players.
On the other hand, Chennai’s Muesh Chaudhary, Lucknow’s Mohsin Khan, Josh Hazlewood, and Rajat Patidar from Bangalore are all in doubt for the 16th edition. The franchises will closely monitor their recovery and would hope to get their services in the tournament.
The 16th edition of the tournament begins on March 31st, with Hardik Pandya’s Gujarat taking on four-time champions Chennai in the opening match.
Here is how fans reacted to all the injuries ahead of the Indian T20 League 2023
Looks like WPL players will feature in the IPL now.
— Jayesh (@Jayesh_45) March 25, 2023
First Rajat and now Hazlewood. Even Maxwell is also not 100% fit. Harshal & Siraj hasn't played T20 in a while.
— Aditya Saha (@Adityakrsaha) March 25, 2023
Never had so much injuries during Kohli's captaincy. Stepping down affected foreign players also?
— Rohit (@_rohitjangra_) March 25, 2023
New logo for these season ?? pic.twitter.com/BLOxYh1AP7
— Mukund Sarda (@MukundSarda13) March 25, 2023
Bumrah from last 1 Year ?? pic.twitter.com/VKgHAQ1u0M
— Bhupender Thakur (@MisterBeeTee) March 25, 2023
IPL injured players playing 11 :
1. Jonny Bairstow ??
2. Rajat Patidar
3. Shreyas Iyer (C)
4. Rishabh Pant (WK)
5. Will Jack ???
6. Kyle Jamieson ???
7. Josh Hazelwood ???
8. Mohsin Khan
9. Prasidh Krishna
10. Jasprit Bumrah
11. Mukesh ChaudharyNot bad ? pic.twitter.com/o5zJArRivQ
— Mohit (@CricketHolik) March 25, 2023
New era has started from last year now this legacy will be for staying in the bottom of the table?
— Archer (@poserarcher) March 25, 2023
Mohsin khan…what happened to him!
— Nationalist Doctor (@nationalistdoc) March 25, 2023
Playing 11 all set with Impact players. ??
— Ishaan Meet (@ishaanmeet) March 25, 2023
