Dwayne Bravo will be available for the 2nd half of IPL 10

One of the greatest T20 bowlers off all-time Dwayne Bravo might be forced to sit out for an initial couple of matches for the Gujarat Lions in the upcoming IPL. According to information received from the franchise owner Keshav Bansal, the Caribbean all-rounder will miss the first couple of matches of the cash-rich league after sustaining a hamstring injury.

He was an integral part of the Gujarat Lions outfit last year when they made their IPL debut and was instrumental in helping them reaching the last 4. Despite underperforming with the bat, Bravo returned with 17 wickets in the tournament from 15 matches. “Dwayne Bravo was suffering from a hamstring injury from past few months. We are expecting him to join us in India in 1st week of April. He may miss the initial couple of matches,” Bansal was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

Bravo’s last appearance in competitive cricket came way back in December 2016 when the star all-rounder injured his hamstring during the KFC Big Bash League. The foreign recruit from the Melbourne Renegades got himself injured while fielding and had to be taken off the field on a stretcher.

He was unable to take any further part in the tournament and underwent a surgery on his left hamstring. Bansal conceded that if his health permits, Bravo might be seen in action for the 2nd half of the IPL. “If his health permits you can see him playing during the second phase of IPL,” Bansal said.

Bravo’s absence might allow Aussie all-rounder James Faulkner to cement his place in the Playing XI. The left arm seamer played only 7 games last year so Bravo’s absence will surely give him more chance to realise his potential for the Lions. They kick off their IPL campaign on April 7 against the two-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders.