Australian speedster Jhye Richardson has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match ODI series against India due to a hamstring injury. A report by ESPNcricinfo suggests that his participation in the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL) is also in doubt, which has caused concern for Mumbai Indians (MI), as they may also be without Jasprit Bumrah.
Richardson’s hamstring injury, which he first sustained during the 2022-23 Big Bash League (BBL) season, was aggravated, causing his withdrawal from the Marsh Cup final that was scheduled to take place on March 10. Despite his injury and prolonged absence from the Scorchers’ winning campaign, he earned a place in the 16-man squad for the ODIs against India, which will begin on March 17 following the culmination of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar series.
The pacer did manage to play a game for his club Fremantle to gain match fitness ahead of his trip to India, but could only bowl four overs before consulting with the Western Australian medical staff at the WACA. MI acquired Richardson for ₹1.50 crore at the IPL 2023 mini-auction, following a forgettable campaign with the Punjab Kings (PBKS), where he played only three matches and took three wickets at an economy rate of 10.64.
The ODI series against India will take place at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on March 17, while the remaining two matches are scheduled to take place in Vishakapatnam and Chennai before the IPL commences on March 31. The Australian ODI squad for the series includes Pat Cummins (c), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa.
With Richardson and Bumrah’s IPL participation in doubt, MI’s all-round bowling unit may need to look for replacements to fill the voids.