The stunner left-arm seamer of England, David Willey will miss the beginning phase of IPL 2024 due to personal reasons. He was due to play for Lucknow Super Giants this season. In the last two seasons, he was a part of the RCB lineup but ahead of IPL 2024 he was picked by LSG for a base price of 2 crores.
LSG’s head coach, David Willey said that he will miss the start of the season after spending the last two months on the road where he represented Abu Dhabi Knight Riders and Multan Sultans in the ILT20 and the PSL respectively. However, the franchise hasn’t announced his replacement so far & he could travel to India whenever he feels like playing in the league. Willey was involved in back-to-back assignments staying away from home for most of the winter. He returned to the UK only 1-2 days after playing in the PSL final.
Shamar Joseph to replace Mark Wood in the Lineup
Willey is the second English player who is unavailable for the beginning of the LSG season after Mark Wood pulled out of the league to manage his workload ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024. Wood has been replaced by Shamar Joseph, the West Indies fast bowler, while Willey has not yet been replaced.
Langer acknowledged the absence of Mark Wood and David Willey from the tournament, noting a potential lack of experience in LSG’s pace attack. However, he expressed confidence in the team’s talented individuals, emphasizing their fitness and enthusiasm. “Despite some injuries, our players appear to be in great shape and are eager to perform,” he stated. Langer highlighted the importance of managing the players effectively throughout the tournament and mentioned the option of utilizing an overseas player if necessary to bolster the team’s experience.
Mayank Yadav could bolster LSG fast bowling Stocks
According to Langer. 12-year-old young Delhi seamer, Mayank Yadav can fulfill Wood’s absence in the lineup.
Langer acknowledged Mark Wood’s withdrawal from the tournament after the auction, expressing disappointment in the situation. He recognized Wood as a world-class bowler and acknowledged that his absence would be felt. However, Langer remained optimistic, pointing out the talents of Shamar Joseph and Mayank in the team.
While they may not replace Wood’s experience, they could contribute at their own pace. Langer emphasized the need to adapt to the circumstances and expressed confidence that the team would be able to overcome this setback.
Coming to Lucknow Super Giants’ upcoming fixtures, they will travel to Jaipur this week ahead of their opening fixture against Rajasthan Royals slated to be played on Sunday afternoon. Meanwhile, IPL will kickstart on March 22 with CSK locking horns with RCB in the opening clash of the league. This will be a crackling contest as two old friends Dhoni & Virat will come in a face-off with each other.
Also read, Matheesha Pathirana to miss Initial Stage of IPL 2024
