IPL 2023: Mumbai Indians looking for an Aussie replacement of injured Jhye Richardson

Australia pacer Jhye Richardson will miss the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) as he has undergone surgery to get rid of his hamstring problem.

Richardson first suffered the injury during the recent edition of the Big Bash League (BBL) while playing for Perth Scorchers, but a recurrence of that issue ruled him out of the ODI series against India that will begin from Friday, March 17.

“Injuries are a big part of cricket, that’s a fact,” Richardson tweeted. “Frustrating? Absolutely.

“But I’m now in a scenario where I can get back to doing what I love and work bloody hard to become an even better player than before. One step back, two steps forward. Let’s do this.”

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Injuries are a big part of cricket, thats a fact. Frustrating? Absolutely.

But I’m now in a scenario where I can get back to doing what I love and work bloody hard to become an even better player than before.
One step back, two steps forward.
Let’s do this. pic.twitter.com/7FdFeV8adj

— Jhye Richardson (@jhyericho) March 11, 2023

The 26-year-old was set to represent Mumbai Indians (MI) in the IPL 2023 after being signed for INR 1.5 cr at the players’ in December last year. Previously, he played for Punjab Kings (PBKS) in IPL 2023 and picked up three wickets in as many matches.

In the meantime, the five-time IPL champion MI are looking for an ideal replacement for Richardson. According to the latest reports, the Mumbai-based franchise is in talks with Lance Morris and Sean Abbott to replace their compatriot.

Morris, 24, is yet to make his international debut in any format. He was named ‘Bradman Young Cricketer of the Year’ at the Australian Cricket Awards 2023 in January and received his maiden call-up for the recently-concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

On the other hand, Abbot is currently a part of the ODI squad, which will play three matches in India. He has also represented MI in the past. In 16 IPL games, he has taken 17 wickets at an average of 24.94 and an economy rate of 8.52. With the bat, the 31-year-old has scored 49 runs at an average of 8.16 and a strike rate of 120.73.