With IPL 2024 set to kick off on March 22nd, the anticipation is high among cricket enthusiasts. However, even before the commencement of the tournament, the cricketing fraternity received a setback with the news of five star players opting out of IPL 2024, leaving their respective teams to recalibrate their strategies for the upcoming season.
Mark Wood
One of the notable absentees is Mark Wood, the pace sensation from Lucknow Super Giants. As a centrally contracted player for England, Wood was denied permission by the England Cricket Board (ECB) to participate in IPL 2024. The decision was made to safeguard his fitness ahead of the T20 World Cup and subsequent Test series. Shamar Joseph has been enlisted as his replacement, adding depth to the Lucknow Super Giants’ bowling arsenal.
Jason Roy
Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) batting lineup will miss the firepower of Jason Roy, who opted out of IPL 2024 due to personal reasons. Roy’s decision came as a blow to KKR, especially after his commendable performance in the previous season where he amassed 285 runs in 8 matches. Phil Salt has been roped in as his replacement, tasked with filling the void left by the dynamic English batsman.
Gus Atkinson
Gus Atkinson’s absence from IPL 2024 was dictated by the ECB’s workload management policy. Consequently, KKR had to seek a replacement, and they found it in the form of Dushmantha Chameera. With prior IPL experience, Chameera brings his expertise to KKR’s bowling lineup, aiming to make a significant impact in the upcoming season.
Mohammed Shami
Gujarat Titans’ pace spearhead Mohammed Shami will also be sidelined for IPL 2024 as he continues his recovery from heel surgery. Shami’s absence is a setback for Gujarat Titans, given his stellar performances in the previous editions of the tournament. The team is yet to announce his replacement, leaving a void in their bowling attack.
Prasidh Krishna
Rajasthan Royals’ Prasidh Krishna’s journey in IPL 2024 has been halted due to a quadriceps tendon surgery he underwent in February. This setback follows his previous injury woes, signaling a challenging period for the talented fast bowler. With 49 wickets to his name in 51 IPL matches, Krishna’s absence will be felt by the Rajasthan Royals.
Summary
As IPL 2024 approaches, the absence of these star players adds a layer of complexity for their respective teams. While replacements have been sought, the impact of these players’ absence on the dynamics of the tournament remains to be seen.
