The 10th edition of IPl will see many star players like Ravichandran Ashwin, Kl Rahul, Quinton de Kock and Mitchell Starc giving it a miss, thanks to the busy international schedule, injury breaks and the much-awaited Champions Trophy starting immediately after the domestic league. Karthik Raman takes a look at the major players the fans will miss
The entertainment packed T20 Indian league is set to lose its stardust with some of the finest local and foreign players skipping the tournament, owing to injuries suffered during the busy international schedule.
The fans, particularly, will miss players like Ravichandran Ashwin, thanks to the hectic domestic season, which saw India play 13 Test matches. Indian skipper Virat Kohli is also set to miss atleast a few matches and his availability will be assessed only during the second week of April.
With the ICC Champions Trophy starting in just over 10 days after the IPl Final, in England, it won't be a surprise to see national teams prioritising the Champions Trophy over the cash-rich Indian Premier league, which starts from April 5.
Since India head to England as defending champions, not many eyebrows will be raised if they give adequate rest to their players so that they don't get jaded when the second most important 50-over tournament begins on June 1.
Openers Murali Vijay, who was replaced by Glenn Maxwell as Kings XI Punjab skipper, and lokesh Rahul (RCB) will miss the league due to shoulder surgeries. However, the biggest absentee would be Rising Pune Supergiants' Ravichandran Ashwin.
The BCCI Medical Team said on Saturday that India's premier off-spinner Ashwin will miss the entire IPl season as he has been advised 6-8 weeks of rehabilitation to recuperate from his groin pain.
"The all-rounder has reported groin pain and has been advised 6-8 weeks of rehabilitation, which he will undergo and hence will not be available for the upcoming IPl season," a BCCI statement read.
No wonder, India remain extremely cautious about the star spinners' fitness as Ashwin was the key in the incredible home season, which saw Team India win 10 of the 13 Test matches.
Ashwin has featured in all the 13 home Tests this season and bowled a staggering 738.2 overs, taking remarkable 82 wickets in the process - highest by any Indian bowler in a season. So the 2-month rest will come in handy.
As far as Rahul is concerned, he injured his shoulder during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and is soon to undergo a surgery.
"Mr K lokesh Rahul — The opening batsman — is likely to undergo surgery of his left shoulder and may not be available for IPl 2017 during which he will have to complete his rehabilitation," the BCCI release added.
The 24-year-old Karnataka batsman was a star turn-out for the Test series, particularly over the last four Tests following scores of 64, 10, 90, 51, 67, 60 and 51 not out.
As a result of his splendid recent form, Rahul jumped to 11th in the latest Test rankings, hence he is the third highest-ranked batsman after Cheteshwar Pujara (4) and Virat Kohli (5). Ajinkya Rahane (14th) is his nearest rival for the spot.
Rahul's opening partner Vijay will also miss the tournament as he needs a surgery in his right wrist. "Mr M Vijay — The Indian opener will require surgery to his right wrist and also undergo rehabilitation for his left shoulder and hence may not be able to participate in IPl 2017," the release stated.
Vijay, former Chennai Super Kings opener, has established himself as a regular in the Indian setup of late and is known for his power hitting in the short format. He will definitely be missed by the Punjab outfit.
Another major blow to the tournament will come in the form of star Indian batsman Kohli. Even though Virat who will definitely miss the start of the tournament.
The BCCI Medical Team which released an update on the fitness of some of the players, mentioned that the Royal Challengers' batsman's availability in the tournament will be assessed only during the second week of April.
"Mr Virat Kohli — The Indian Captain will undergo rehabilitation after sustaining an injury to his right shoulder. His recovery will be assessed in the second week of April to determine an exact return to play date for IPl 2017," the release read.
Be it Test, ODI or the shortest format of the game, Kohli has asserted himself as the country's main run provider in recent years and has always been there when the team needs him the most.
After RCB already lost one Indian player in Rahul, they will definitely hope that Kohli's absence for the league won't be for too long.
India's other major positives from the gruelling home season — Ravindra Jadeja (Gujarat lions) and (Umesh Yadav Kolkata Knight Riders) — will also miss the first few matches of IPl.
"Mr R Jadeja & Mr Umesh Yadav — have been advised rest for 2 weeks to recuperate. Mr R Jadeja has issues with the spinning finger & Mr Umesh Yadav has right hip and lower back soreness and they will recover during the initial phase when their respective teams will play their first and second match of IPl 2017," the BCCI statement read.
Along with Ashwin, Jadeja is another bowler who played a pivotal role in the long hard season. He has bowled 717.2 overs, getting 71 wickets in the process. India's premium pacer Umesh has bowled 355.5 overs in 12 games with 30 wickets to his name.
However, there is some good news for the fans as Mumbai Indians' stars Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya have been declared fit to play in the league.
"Mr Rohit Sharma & Mr. Hardik Pandya - have been declared fit to play competitive cricket. They will be available for IPl 2017," the release added.