IPL 2018: Mumbai Indians announce the replacement of injured Jason Behrendorff

New Zealand left-arm fast bowler Mitchell McClenaghan will replace Australian left-arm fast bowler Jason Behrendorff in the Mumbai Indians squad. The latter has been ruled out of the eleventh edition due to a back injury. The IPL Technical Committee approved the replacement in Mumbai Indians squad.

In accordance with the Player Regulations, the Mumbai Indians were allowed to choose a replacement from the Registered and Available Player Pool (RAPP). The Mumbai Indians subsequently picked New Zealand’s Mitchell McClenaghan at his base price of INR 1 Cr.

The New Zealand fast bowler was part of the same squad last year but remained unsold in the IPL auction despite being the leading International wicket-taker in 2016. It was believed that his topsy-turvy season at the Big Bash League was what cost him his place in the league.

He was graceful in accepting that he was snubbed by the eight franchises in the auction. He took to Twitter to say, “Just a quick thanks to @mipaltan and @ImRo45 for the last 3 years. Was a great experience and enjoyed every moment. All the best this year and will watch on with interest.”

Jason Behrendorrf was bought by the Mumbai Indians for INR 1.5 Cr but his inaugural season at the Indian Premier League will have to wait as the bowler he’s yet to resume bowling from his latest injury setback. Behrendorff was confident he would be ready when the tournament begins in early April, however, the 27-year-old has struggled with stress fractures, which flared up again late last year and was subsequently ruled out for the rest of the Australian summer.

The decision to buy McClenaghan back makes sense because he has been part of the MI set-up for three years now and is accustomed to their working and management. It remains to be seen if he will be part of the Starting XI.

Watch the Mohammed Shami-Hasin Jahan controversy (timeline)

Catch more developments on this and top lead ‘cricket news‘ on CricTracker