Delhi Capitals (DC) suffered a big blow with all-rounder Mitchell Marsh being sidelined due to a hamstring injury. Assistant coach Pravin Amre termed it a ‘worrying sign’ for the team.
Mitchell Marsh gives major injury scare to DC
"A few of our players are injured, and the worrying sign is Mitch Marsh. He has gone for a scan and the physios will give us a report in a week's time. Then we will come to know what the exact situation is. Whether he can [play the entire season] or not depends on the reports," Amre said after DC suffered defeat against Mumbai Indians.
Marsh began IPL 2024 as an opener alongside David Warner. However, with Prithvi Shaw's return in the third match, Marsh shifted to the number 3 position. It was during his bowling stint in the fourth game against Kolkata Knight Riders that the injury occurred. He managed a decent bowling performance of 1 for 37 in his 3 overs, as revealed by Sourav Ganguly in a press conference on Saturday. Despite the injury, Marsh attempted to bat in the chase but was dismissed for a golden duck by Mitchell Starc.
Marsh's injury is a concern not just for the Delhi Capitals, but also for the Australian team management. Marsh is reportedly a frontrunner to lead Australia at the upcoming T20 World Cup in June. This setback adds to Marsh's history of injuries. Despite being in his eighth IPL season, he has only played 42 matches. His participation was uncertain in IPL 2022 as well, though he did manage to play eight games for DC.
Similar issues plagued him in previous seasons. In IPL 2020 with Sunrisers Hyderabad, he was ruled out after injuring his ankle in the first match. He also opted out of their 2021 campaign citing fatigue from bio-secure bubbles.
Double whammy for DC
Adding to Delhi Capitals' woes, Kuldeep Yadav is also sidelined with a groin niggle. He missed his third consecutive match against Mumbai Indians. While Amre expects Kuldeep to be out for "one or two games" more, there's better news for Mukesh Kumar. The pacer, who missed two matches, is likely to return for their next encounter against Lucknow Super Giants.
"We have to start winning but have been set back by a few injuries. In the first game, Ishant [Sharma] couldn't bowl two overs. Then Mukesh got injured. Kuldeep has not played three games. Marsh has a hamstring injury. They are our main players and whoever comes [in for them], they are not as effective because it is like A players vs B players there," Amre concluded.
DC's dismal show in IPL 2024
Meanwhile, DC's dismal campaign at the IPL 2024 continued on April 7 as they suffered their fourth defeat in the ongoing season. Rishabh Pant's men suffered a 29-run defeat at the hands of Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede stadium. With this defeat DC hit the rock bottom of the IPL 2024's points table with just one win in a total of five matches.
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