The upcoming edition of the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL) will start from March 22 and the defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will lock horns with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in the inaugural match.
With the start of IPL 2024 less than two weeks away, all teams will be hopeful of a fully fit squad to compete in the mega event. However, with the amount of cricket being played these days, there has been a spate of injury and many players are rushing against time to be fully fit for the upcoming edition of IPL.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
CSK are left to fret over injury concern to some key players. Promising speedster Matheesha Pathirana has recently suffered a Grade 1 hamstring strain on his left leg. The Sri Lankan slinger Pathirana suffered the niggle during the second T20I against Bangladesh at Sylhet on March 6 and left the field without completing his spell.
Pathirana had a great role in CSK’s title campaign last year as he had captured 19 wickets from 12 matches with good economy rate.
Earlier, CSK’s aggressive opener Devon Conway has been ruled out for at least the first half of the league. Moreover, other Kiwi players like Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell are also under injury cloud. In-form all-rounder Shivam Dube has also suffered a side-strain during the Ranji Trophy.
Mumbai Indians (MI)
Mr 360 degree batsman Suryakumar Yadav’s recovery is on track but there is still no guarantee that he would be able to take part in Mumbai Indians’ first two matches in IPL 2024.
If one goes by the current status of the right-handed batter, then chances are slim. Surya, who has been out of action since December last year, is currently at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru undergoing his rehabilitation. He was suffering from sports hernia and had to go under the knife in January in Germany.
Even newly appointed captain Hardik Pandya’s full fitness still remains a concern for Mumbai Indians. Moreover, wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan has taken a long break from cricket and his full fitness and mental aspect of the game is under scanner.
Gujarat Titans (GT)
The purple cap holder of IPL 2023 Mohammed Shami has been ruled out of IPL 2024 due to ankle injury. The defending runners-up will find it hard to get the replacement of the speedster.
Moreover, star spinner Rashid Khan has been battling with a back injury. If he misses out IPL 2024, it will be a double blow for GT.