Disappointed Jason Behrendorff opens up after brutal IPL 2024 blow

Australia's left-arm fast bowler Jason Behrendorff is dealing with a brutal blow, after suffering a broken leg in a freak training accident that has ruled him out of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season.

The 33-year-old left-arm pacer, who was set to represent the Mumbai Indians, now faces a race against time to regain fitness for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

Behrendorff's injury occurred during preparations for the IPL. In a heartbreaking turn of events, he fractured his left fibula, sidelining him for approximately eight weeks.

This badly timed setback has not only ruined his hopes of featuring in the cash-rich IPL but also increased doubts over his participation in the T20 World Cup.

Also read: Mumbai Indians name Luke Wood as injured Jason Behrendorff's replacement

I have loved being a part of the MI Family - Jason Behrendorff 

Expressing his disappointment, Behrendorff wrote on his Instagram story, saying, 

"Unfortunately, there was a freak accident at training last week which resulted in my leg being broken. It wasn't anyone's fault, just a very unlucky incident. I have loved being a part of the MI Family, and I am gutted to be missing this year's IPL, wishing MI a successful season and hopefully, I will have the opportunity to be back next year," Behrendorff was quoted as saying by The Times of India.

The incident occurred during a routine net session at the WACA Ground in Perth, where Behrendorff was batting in preparation for the IPL. A delivery struck him flush above the left ankle, resulting in the fracture. 

"Behrendorff was batting in the nets at the WACA ground last Thursday ahead of departing to India to play in the IPL with Mumbai Indians when he suffered a fractured left fibula after a ball missed his pad and struck him flush just above the left ankle," the report said

Behrendorff's absence is a significant blow to the Mumbai Indians, who had retained him after a successful IPL 2023 campaign, where he claimed 14 wickets in 12 matches at an impressive average of 27.64. The franchise has acquired the services of England pacer Luke Wood as Behrendorff's replacement.

Also read: Jason Behrendorff races to recover from broken leg for ICC Men's T20 World Cup

MI are gearing up for their opening game of the tournament against Gujarat Titans on March 24th in the grand Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.