IPL 2024: Massive blow to Mumbai Indians as star pacer ruled out first half of IPL

With just five days remaining for the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, Mumbai Indians have suffered a major blow. Star Sri Lanka pacer Dilshan Madushanka, as per the reports in ESPNCricinfo, has been ruled out of the first half of the IPL 2024.?

Dilshan Madushanka pulled up his left hamstring during the recently concluded second ODI against Bangladesh. He walked off the field and then went for MRI Scans. But the results didn?t come pleasing for both Sri Lanka as well as the Mumbai Indians ahead of IPL 2024. 

The reports revealed that there was a small tear on his left hamstring. Sri Lanka Cricket released the official statement and stated: ?Madushanka has suffered a left hamstring injury", and he will "return [home] to start rehabilitation work".

Sri Lanka team manager Mahinda Halangoda also provided updates about Madushanka, stating that they aren?t sure when he will recover as he will be assessed daily by the medical team at the high-performance centre. 

"We got the report on his injury only today [Sunday], and it shows a small tear. It's a new injury. We're not yet sure how long it will take for him to recover, but he'll have to be assessed again when he goes home by the medical team at the high-performance centre. For now, we know he's out of the ODI tomorrow for sure."

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This comes as a massive blow for the Mumbai Indians as he has been one of the finest left-arm pacers in the world of cricket currently. The fast bowler was brought was Mumbai Indians for INR 4.6 crore in the IPL 2024 auction. 

Dilshan Madushanka would?ve been a vital cag in the wheel for Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2024. His ability to swing the new ball with raw pace could?ve provided the franchise with something that they lacked last year. The team would be hoping that he recovered quickly and join them in the latter half of the tournament. 

Gerald Coetzee to miss first few games for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024

The reports also claimed that Gerald Coetzee is also likely to miss the first few games of the IPL 2024 for Mumbai Indians. The fast bowler has been battling with a groin injury and is currently under the observation of the Mumbai Indians medical team.?

Gerald Coetzee has joined Mumbai Indians and is training with the team but is yet to gain match fitness for the IPL 2024. He last was seen in action during the Test series against India, where he suffered pelvic inflammation and was ruled out of the SA20 as well. 

Gerald Coetzee and Dilshan Madushanka are likely to miss the first few games in the IPL 2024. It is expected that Jason Behrendroff is likely to start with Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Madhwal. They also have Nuwan Thushara in the team as well. 

Mumbai Indians will begin their campaign in IPL 2024 against Gujarat Titans on 24th March at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.