As we approach the eagerly anticipated IPL 2023, fans are filled with excitement for what promises to be another thrilling season of the lucrative tournament. However, teams have already been dealt a blow with injuries to some of their key players such as Shreyas Iyer (KKR), Jasprit Bumrah (MI), Rajat Patidar (RCB), and Liam Livingstone (PBKS).
To ensure their chances of success are not affected by injuries, IPL franchises will need to carefully manage the workload of their players throughout the long tournament. Therefore, it is important to highlight one injury-prone player from each team who will require special attention from their franchise.
1. Mitchell Marsh (Delhi Capitals)
Without a doubt, Mitchell Marsh’s professional trajectory has been adversely affected by a series of injuries that he has sustained in recent years. Despite being hailed as a potential superstar, Marsh has been plagued by injuries, which have constantly impeded his progress.
Among the injuries he has suffered are those to his ankle, shoulder, and hand, which have proven to be particularly challenging. Given his crucial role in DC, the franchise will undoubtedly be counting on his continued fitness, especially given his recent form.
2. Shivam Mavi (Gujarat Titans)
In 2018, Shivam Mavi garnered praise from spectators due to his impressive display of skills during the ICC U-19 World Cup. Some suggested that he should be promptly elevated to the senior team. However, recurrent injuries meant that he had to bide his time for nearly five years before finally earning his India debut.
Mavi has been hampered by several injuries in the past, including an anterior cruciate ligament injury and a stress fracture, among others. This year, he is set to represent the defending champions Gujarat Titans, who will undoubtedly be hoping for his continued fitness and well-being throughout the tournament.
3. Ben Stokes (Chennai Super Kings)
Ben Stokes has been plagued by a number of injuries, ranging from his knee, finger, back to his hamstring. As of now, he will only be participating as a specialist batter, given that he has important international commitments looming on the horizon.
Stokes will be a pivotal player for four-time champions CSK, who will be relying on him to be available for all matches, even if only in a batting capacity.
4. Sam Curran (Punjab Kings)
Sam Curran, who holds the distinction of being the most expensive player in the history of the IPL, is all set to represent the Punjab Kings in the upcoming season. However, his back has been a persistent source of trouble in the past, and he also experienced a left side strain in 2018. Given the hefty sum that PBKS invested in acquiring Curran’s services, the franchise will undoubtedly be concerned about his fitness and well-being.
5. Andre Russell (Kolkata Knight Riders)
Andre Russell, a key player for KKR, has been no stranger to injuries in the past, having suffered from shoulder, knee, and hamstring issues. With skipper Shreyas Iyer currently sidelined due to an injury, Russell’s contribution to the team’s performance will be crucial in the upcoming IPL 2023 season. As a result, KKR will need to take a proactive approach to manage the workload of the West Indian all-rounder to ensure that he stays fit and healthy throughout the tournament.
6. Mark Wood (Lucknow Supergiants)
Mark Wood, who has been an outstanding performer for the England cricket team, has only played 28 Tests since his debut in 2015. This is largely due to a long list of injuries that have plagued him throughout his career, including issues with his hip, elbow, shoulder, calf, heel, and ankle.
Wood was unable to participate in the previous season of the IPL due to an injury. As he joins the LSG team this season, fans will undoubtedly be hoping that he can maintain his fitness and stay free from any further injuries for the next two months or so.
7. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
Bhuvneshwar Kumar, a seasoned bowler, has suffered from various injuries in the past, including problems with his back, hamstring, thigh, and others. These issues have caused him to miss numerous matches at regular intervals throughout his career.
In IPL 2023, Bhuvneshwar will be leading the bowling attack for the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) team. It is crucial for the franchise’s success that he stays fit and healthy over the next few months, particularly given their disappointing performance in the previous season. As such, the SRH management will need to take special care in managing Bhuvneshwar’s workload to minimize the risk of any further injuries.
8. Reece Topley (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
Reece Topley is a highly respected left-arm pacer in English cricket, but he has been plagued by injuries that have limited his international appearances. He has suffered from hand, ankle, and back injuries, including multiple stress fractures.
In IPL 2023, Topley will play a key role for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), especially since fellow pacer Josh Hazlewood is currently sidelined with an injury. It remains to be seen whether Topley can avoid further injuries and perform at his best for RCB throughout the tournament.
9. Navdeep Saini (Rajasthan Royals)
Navdeep Saini has had several injuries in the past, including abdominal, groin, and shoulder issues, which have limited his playing time for the Indian cricket team.
In IPL 2023, Saini will play for the Rajasthan Royals, and the team management will need to manage him carefully to ensure that he remains fit for the entire duration of the tournament. With his pace and ability to bowl at the death, Saini will be a crucial player for the Royals, and his fitness will be key to the team’s success.
10. Rohit Sharma (Mumbai Indians)
Rohit Sharma, the Indian cricket team captain, has had his fair share of injuries in recent years. He has suffered from calf, finger, and hamstring issues, which have kept him out of action at times. Considering the significance of the upcoming year for Indian cricket, with the World Test Championship final and the World Cup on the horizon, it is crucial that Mumbai Indians manage his workload carefully during the IPL to ensure his fitness and availability for the national team.
