IPL 2023: 3 Possible Replacements for Jhye Richardson if He Is Ruled Out of the Cash-Rich League

The Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai Indians have suffered a massive blow as their recruit Jhye Richardson is most likely to miss the IPL 2023 due to a recurring hamstring injury. Richardson reportedly suffered a hamstring injury, which may prevent him from playing his trade for the Mumbai Indians in the upcoming IPL 2023. He was billed to return for Australia in the upcoming ODI series against India after last playing for Australia in June 2022 due to a recurring hamstring injury. Cricket Australia hasn’t put a time frame for his comeback, which puts his participation in major doubt. 

In 2021, while representing Punjab Kings, he played just three games in the season and managed to pick up three wickets. Despite having a mediocre season, Mumbai invested in him knowing his ability. Mumbai Indians, who put a lot of faith in Richardson’s abilities, will also be extremely concerned by his absence. In case Richardson is ruled out of the IPL 2023, then they’ll consider replacing him with another overseas pacer. In this listicle, we look at the five players, who can replace Richardson if he gets ruled out of the cash-rich league.

3) Dushmantha Chameera

Chameera made his IPL debut last season for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and impressed everyone with his skill set. The tall lanky Sri Lankan pacer scalped nine wickets at an economy rate of 8.73 in 12 matches. He had a decent season, yet LSG did not retain him because he’s injury prone. He has had a share of injury concerns throughout his career. But keeping that aside, Chameera is a skiddy customer and can rush batters off the surface. Battling with injuries he has played 42 ODIs for Sri Lanka, bagging 44 wickets at an economy of 5.41.

In T20Is, the Lankan speedster has bagged up 52 wickets in as many games at an economy of 8.08. His biggest strength is bowling with the new ball in the powerplay and he can trouble one of the best batters in the first six overs. He has troubled some of the best batters in the league last year, yet he failed to earn a contract this year. The Sri Lankan cricketer offers raw pace to the bowling unit and his height is an added advantage. When on a song, the Lankan express can dismantle any batting line-up.

2) Riley Meredith

Riley Meredith was signed by Mumbai for the IPL 2022 as a backup for the injured Jofra Archer. The Aussie pacer had a decent season for the multiple-time IPL winners as he bagged 8 wickets in 8 matches at an economy rate of 8.42. In a disappointing season, he emerged as one of their best pacers but the Mumbai Indians released him ahead of the IPL 2023. Before joining Mumbai, the Aussie pacer bagged a lucrative deal of INR 8 Crores in IPL 2021 auction from Punjab Kings (PBKS). He couldn’t justify his price tag as he featured in just 5 matches. In his debut IPL season, the express pace bowler scalped four wickets and his economy remained a bit on the higher side; close to 9 runs per over.

Without Bumrah and Richardson, Mumbai will need a tearaway pacer in their squad to complement Jofra Archer and Riley Meredith is among the limited options. He is fast & furious and can clock over 150 kmph consistently. Over the years in the 20-over format, Meredith has shown that he is a genuine wicket-getter and could prove to be a very shrewd signing for the Mumbai-based team.

1) Adam Milne

Adam Milne made his IPL debut for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2016. He couldn’t make any impact and was left out ahead of the 2018 season. In the IPL 2022 season opener against Kolkata Knight Riders, he was selected to play for CSK. However, his stint was cut short because of an injury he suffered during the third over of bowling, and was forced to quit the game. After getting injured, Milne was ruled out of the IPL 2022. He was not retained by CSK for the upcoming season and went unsold in the mini-auction in December. Since there aren’t many people in the world who are as quick as the Kiwi pacer, Milne will be on the radar of the majority of franchises after being released by CSK.

The right-arm quick is an experienced bowler who is known for his pace and ability to bowl in all phases of the game. One of Milne’s greatest strengths is his vast experience playing in T20 leagues across the globe. His ability to bowl slow balls and yorkers makes him a valuable asset to any team. The biggest reason why MI might go after the Kiwi pacer is that in the 2021 edition of the IPL, he was part of the five-time IPL champions. Adding to that, the conditions in Wankhede Stadium will suit his style of bowling, where Mumbai will play half of their league games.