'Injury Premier League me swaagat hai' - Fans react as list of injured players keeps growing ahead of Indian T20 League 2023

The 16th edition of the Indian T20 League is set to commence on 31 March when MS Dhoni led-Chennai will face defending champions Gujarat. The match will take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. This season will be the first after three years to witness home and away games. One of the main talking points ahead of the tournament has been injuries of players that are denting the team’s plans and preparations. After Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, and Shreyas Iyer, now Rajat Patidar and Josh Hazelwood look to be doubtful to participate in the initial games of the competition.

This comes as a big blow to Faf du Plessis-led Bangalore as both Patidar and Hazelwood were certain to start in the playing XI. This injury will blow Bangalore’s preparations as a team will need to think about backups and replan their game plans. Notably, Bangalore is not the only team that is suffering from injuries.

Five times champion Mumbai, four times champion Chennai and two times champion Kolkata are also facing the same issue. Mumbai is going to miss two key fast bowlers in the tournament as Jasprit Bumrah, along with Jhye Richardson, is ruled out of the tournament. On the other hand, MS Dhoni’s Chennai is also going to miss their most successful bowler from last season. Pacer Mukesh Chaudhary is still recovering from the injury and it is almost certain that he is not going to start in the initial games. This will impact Chennai’s planning as they are already looking for a good Indian fast-bowling option.

Rajat Patidar to miss the first half of Indian T20 League 

Young Indian batter Rajat Patidar is the latest entrant in the list of injured players. He has been a crucial batter for the Bangalore franchise. He played some vital knocks for Bangalore in the previous season and Team is going to miss him badly. His injury will force Bangalore to find a young opening partner for Virat Kohli who can lead the team from the front while maintaining the number of overseas players.

On the other hand, Josh Hazelwood who missed Australia’s tour of India due to injury is still recovering. His injury is vulnerable and needs some more rehab. However, in his absence, it will be difficult for the team to defend scores in the small home ground. Notably, Bangalore is set to play four out of the first five matches at home ground and it can be a trouble for the team.

List of Injured and doubtful players: Jasprit Bumrah (Mumbai), Jhye Richardson (Mumbai), Rishabh Pant (Delhi), Jonny Bairstow (Punjab), Will Jacks (Bangalore), Kyle Jamieson (Chennai), Prasidh Krishna (Kolkata), Mukesh Chaudhary (Chennai), Mohsin Khan (Lucknow), Shreyas Iyer (Kolkata), Rajat Patidar (Bangalore) and Josh Hazelwood (Bangalore).

Meanwhile, fans react to the growing list of injured players in the Indian T20 League 2023.

Here are some Tweets: 

Playing 11 all set with Impact players. 😂😂

— Ishaan Meet (@ishaanmeet) March 25, 2023

Bumrah from last 1 Year 👇🏻 pic.twitter.com/VKgHAQ1u0M

— Bhupender Thakur (@MisterBeeTee) March 25, 2023

Crazy list
What happens to money paid to players before hand in auctions

— Anoop Mundhra (@anoopmundhra) March 25, 2023

😭😭😭😭

— Vinny (@im_in_ur_heart_) March 25, 2023

Playing 11 of Injured Players-
1. Johnny Bairstow
2. Rajat Patidar
3. Shreyas Iyer
4. Rishabh Pant
5. Will Jacks
6. Josh Hazelwood
7. Jhye Richardson
8. Jasprit Bumrah
9. Prasidh Krishna
10.Mohsin Khan
11.Mukesh Chowdhury

A Gud Fast bowling unit but no spinner nd Decent batting

— khushanshu (@no1khush) March 25, 2023

pic.twitter.com/h0B5n7pIBp

— Jainish Patel (@Jainish_Patel18) March 25, 2023

Patidar was too good in the last season he played many crucial knocks.. It'll be a huge blow for RCB I hope he recovers soon @RCBTweets

— Prawin (@Praveen20Selva) March 25, 2023

Looking this info of players injury...I think IPL name needs to be changed

i.e INJURY PREMIER LEAGUE

— Sai VT (@SRSaiVTh2) March 25, 2023

Bro no update on Patidar and Hazlewood. If Hazelwood does not play then RCBs bowling is finished this year in Chinnaswamy

— Cric Lover🏏 (@criclover09_) March 26, 2023

IPL injured players playing 11 :

1. Jonny Bairstow ✈️
2. Rajat Patidar
3. Shreyas Iyer (C)
4. Rishabh Pant (WK)
5. Will Jack ✈️️
6. Kyle Jamieson ✈️️
7. Josh Hazelwood ✈️️
8. Mohsin Khan
9. Prasidh Krishna
10. Jasprit Bumrah
11. Mukesh Chaudhary

Not bad 👀 pic.twitter.com/o5zJArRivQ

— Mohit (@CricketHolik) March 25, 2023

Playing xi ke sath xiith man bhi hai .🗿

— Abhinav (@abhi_69004) March 25, 2023

The New Era Cricket.

— Sharon Solomon (@BSharan_6) March 25, 2023

Newd one aal rounder and a spinner and making of a gretest t20 team

— crixket.45 (@Jaiswalankit07) March 25, 2023