In a blow to the Mumbai Indians and Australian cricket, fast bowler Jason Behrendorff has been sidelined from the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season due to a leg injury sustained in a training accident at the WACA.
The 33-year-old cricketer fractured his left fibula after being struck by a ball just above the ankle while batting in the nets. Despite the severity of the injury, surgery is not required, according to reports from ESPNCricinfo.
The accident, which Behrendorff described on Instagram as a “freak accident,” occurred last week, leaving the player and his team in dismay.
“It wasn’t anyone’s fault, just a very unlucky incident,” Behrendorff expressed, sharing his disappointment over missing the IPL season despite his excitement to be part of the Mumbai Indians, with whom he had signed an AU$135,000 contract.
As a pivotal member of the Mumbai Indians, Behrendorff’s absence is a setback for the team as they prepare to kick off their campaign for their sixth IPL title this weekend. English left-arm pacer Luke Wood has been announced as his replacement.
Behrendorff celebrated as Australia’s men’s T20I player of the year, played a crucial role in the 2023 IPL campaign as Mumbai’s second-leading wicket-taker, claiming 14 wickets at an average of 27.64. Additionally, his performance in the recent Big Bash League season was notable, securing 16 wickets at 15.87 for the Perth Scorchers and finishing as the club’s top wicket-taker.
This injury not only sidelines Behrendorff for the IPL but also impacts his aspirations for the T20 World Cup selection. The player had hoped to use the IPL season as a platform to showcase his skills and make a strong case for inclusion in Australia’s squad for the prestigious tournament.
Chief selector George Bailey has mentioned that performances in the IPL would be taken into consideration for World Cup squad selections, making this injury a significant blow to Behrendorff’s chances.
The Mumbai Indians are set to face the Gujarat Titans at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium on Monday morning, with fans eagerly anticipating the start of the 2024 IPL season. As the cricketing community wishes Behrendorff a speedy recovery, the focus now shifts to how the Mumbai Indians will adjust their strategy in light of his absence.
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