Ashwin, Rahul, Vijay set to miss IPL

New Delhi, The Indian Premier League lost much of its sheen today after premier off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and a host of top Indian players pulled out of the event’s 10th edition, beginning on April 5, owing to injuries and a gruelling international season. There were unconfirmed reports that Bangladesh’s left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman, who was instrumental in Sunrisers Hyderabad’s IPL triumph last season, may also skip the cash-rich event.
Ashwin, who was set to represent Rising Pune Supergiant, will miss the tournament due to the recurrence of sports hernia while openers Murali Vijay (last season’s captain of Kings XI Punjab) and KL Rahul (RCB) are set to miss the league due to imminent shoulder surgeries. It has been learnt that Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma is yet to recover from a knee injury and may miss a few games.
Ashwin featured in all 13 Test matches in the home season. He bowled a staggering 738.2 overs, and picked up an impressive haul of 82 wickets. It’s the highest by any Indian bowler in a season.
Jadeja, Yadav advised rest
Kolkata Knight Riders pacer Umesh Yadav and Gujarat Lions’ biggest draw Ravindra Jadeja also need rest after an exacting home season. Both Jadeja and Yadav may be given some time to freshen up before they take the field in IPL. Jadeja sent down 717.2 overs in the marathon home season and picked 71 wickets. Yadav, too, shouldered a massive workload. He played in 12 Tests and picked up 30 wickets on the tracks and conditions which were quite challenging for a pacer.
Besides, Virat Kohli, inarguably the biggest draw of the glamorous event, is set to miss a few matches due to a shoulder injury.
According to reports, the Indian team management had a discussion with the IPL authorities regarding the injuries and massive workload of the players. Accordingly, BCCI is trying to manage their workload so that the players aren’t jaded when India defend their Champions Trophy title in June.