Will Injuries be a major concern in IPL 2017?

Injuries have always been part and parcel of the game, but coming at a time where it could have a great impact on a team’s performance was the last thing an IPL franchise wanted. With few big names already got sidelined due to several injuries, IPL 2017, provides a massive opportunity for young and fresh talent to make a mark at this level and prove their stature.

All eight franchises worked with full fortitude while picking right players for right slot at the time of IPL auction, but they didn’t know that something of this sort will happen as all the eight franchise will be missing some fantastic players either for few weeks for the whole tournament, who have the capability to win the game single-handedly.

India had a really long domestic season which is expected to make a big impact of this year’s IPL as many star players will miss out the tournament. The second name for IPL has always been “Fan Tournament” as its fans that make this T20 tournament a blockbuster one. It will be interesting to see how fans react to this change because if they back this change, IPL will definitely be what it has been for past decade.

There are major concerns for all eight teams, majorly Royal Challengers Bangalore as they miss out four of their core six batsmen at the top, though Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers are expected to recover from their respective injuries by the second week of IPL. With KL Rahul missing out due to a shoulder injury, the top order looks bare but fertile for someone like Mandeep Singh who gave a blinder start in RCB’s first match against Sunrisers Hyderabad and manages to score 24 of 16 deliveries, which even included four fours. On the other hand, Kedar Jadhav too has a big responsibility on his shoulders as he will be expected to play a big role in the middle order.

The second team which would be bit worried is Delhi Daredevils as they were looking a balanced side and were expected to roar before injuries struck their team. With Quinton de Kock missing out this year’s IPL because of an injury in his index finger would be a major concern, as he is an explosive batsman and has played some great innings for DD last year. The second blow for DD is in form of their seasoned campaigner JP Duminy who pulled out citing personal reasons. The absence of these two players will prove to be a blessing for young talent in their line up as they have an opportunity to put the limelight on themselves and make a benchmark.

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Being a part of IPL for one last time and having something like this was the last thing Rising Pune Supergiant wanted as they miss out the most experienced seasoned bowler and Australian All-rounder due to their injuries. Though, RPS has found a replacement for the Australian All-Rounder in form of South African spinner Imran Tahir and is expected to pick wickets in the middle overs and provide a good balance to their side.

Being in finals in 2014, Kings XI Punjab were expecting to have a good start to their season but they miss out on a key player, Murali Vijay, who has been in fine touch from last year and a half was expected to set a platform at the top. As a replacement, Kings XI Punjab has roped Ishant Sharma who didn’t find a taker during IPL auction. With his experience coming, will provide a boost to KXIP bowling lineup.

IPL’s tenth incarnation has started with a cracker of a game, It was great to see Test cricket transforming in T20 cricket, whites changing with colored jersey, with different cricketing nations unite to play together, with young talent emerging, and buzz whole round the park tells us that injuries shouldn’t affect its popularity.

– Written by Vedant Sharma.