Rajasthan Royals’ Prasidh Krishna Out of IPL 2024 with Quadriceps Injury; Shami Also Sidelined

The Rajasthan Royals will have to navigate the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season without the services of their fast bowler Prasidh Krishna, who is set to stay on the sidelines due to a quadriceps injury. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that Krishna, who also missed out on the 2023 edition of the tournament, will not feature in IPL 2024 after undergoing surgery to repair a left proximal quadriceps tendon on February 23, 2024.

Krishna, who has commanded a critical role in the Royals’ bowling lineup, had previously missed the last IPL season due to a stress fracture but played an essential part in their campaign during IPL 2022. Despite his injury setbacks, the Royals demonstrated their faith in the pacer by retaining him ahead of the 2024 season. His absence is a significant blow to the franchise, especially considering his international record of two Tests, 17 ODIs, and five T20Is for India.

As he embarks on the road to recovery, Krishna is expected to resume his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru under the supervision of the BCCI’s medical team. The extent of his injury has prompted concerns about his future with the Royals, and it is speculated that the franchise might consider releasing him next year due to his recurring injuries.

Adding to the Royals’ woes, fellow speedster Mohammed Shami will also be unavailable for the IPL 2024. Shami, who is another prominent figure in India’s pace battery, has been sidelined owing to a right heel complaint that necessitated surgery on February 26, 2024. Just like Krishna, Shami’s recovery timeline puts him out of contention for the entire tournament.

The Rajasthan Royals, who boast a competitive squad with the likes of skipper Sanju Samson, explosive wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler, and New Zealand pace spearhead Trent Boult among others, will now be exploring options to bolster their pace attack in light of these developments. The franchise’s depth and strategy will be put to the test as they seek to fill the void left by the absence of two of their key bowlers in a tournament that is often decided by fine margins and the strength of the squad.

The Royals’ management and coaching staff are yet to make an official statement on their plans to navigate this setback. However, the IPL has seen franchises rise to the challenge under similar circumstances, and the Royals will be determined to do the same. As the countdown to the IPL 2024 continues, fans will be keen to see how the team adapts and who steps up to deliver the goods in the high-stakes games ahead.