MI vs CSK: Jofra Archer reportedly injured, Arjun Tendulkar to make his IPL 2023 debut, MI PlayingXI: Player injuries continue to haunt the Mumbai Indians (MI) as they face yet another injury concern with one of the key players in the IPL 2023. The INR 8 Crore buy of the MI, Jofra Archer, has reportedly suffered an injury during practice sessions in the lead-up to the MI vs CSK fixture and is doubtful for the MI vs CSK game.
However, the five times IPL champions franchise is yet to confirm the details. If the reports come out to be true, it will be a huge loss for the MI as they have already lost Jasprit Bumrah and Jhye Richardson.
Australian pacer Riley Meredith, who was recently announced as a replacement for Jhye Richardson by Mumbai Indians (MI), will be expected to take up Archer’s place, if Jofra Archer sits out due to any reasons.
Meanwhile, in an interesting development, Mumbai Indians may introduce left-arm pacer, Arjun Tendulkar, to the MI playingXI for the first time. Arjun has been associated with MI for the last three years, but hasn’t made his debut for the franchise yet.
Arjun Tendulkar was earlier learned to be doing good in the nets. In fact, MI skipper Rohit Sharma hailed Arjun for playing good cricket in recent times.
“Arjun Tendulkar is playing good cricket in recent times. He was injured but today he will start his bowling,” Rohit said during the pre-season press conference held for IPL 2023.
Notably, if Jofra Archer is doubtful for the MI vs CSK game, MI would require the services of an extra pacer and Arjun Tendulkar can very well come into the playingXI and do the needful. He can also come into the side as an impact player and deliver his role.
MI vs CSK: MI PlayingXI
Mumbai Indians (MI) had a hard pill to swallow as they faced a defeat against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in their opening game. However, the franchise in blue and gold would be raring to go in front of their home crowd today (8th April).
MI used to be an all-rounder team with all its bases covered in the past, but the dynamics of the franchise changed since the IPL 2022 Mega Auction. The bowling which used to be their strength suddenly seems to be limping. The top order has unfortunately not fired in unison as often as they would have liked.
Runs from the bat of Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan have dried up. In fact, Suryakumar Yadav has hit a pale patch in recent times. The middle order lacks enough experience to take control of the situation.
The only bright spot for MI against RCB was young Tilak Verma’s batting. He was exceptional during IPL 2022 and has continued his performance this year as well.
The only change in MI’s PlayingXI against CSK, besides the injury-bound changes, appears to be Kumar Kartikeya, who can replace Hrithik Shokeen.
MI PlayignXI vs CSK: Rohit Sharma (c), Ishan Kishan (w), Suryakumar Yadav, Cameron Green, Tilak Varma, Tim David, Nehal Wadhera, Hrithik Shokeen/Kumar Kartikeya, Piyush Chawla, Jofra Archer/Riley Meredith, Arshad Khan
Impact Player: Jason Behrendorff, Ramandeep Singh, Arjun Tendulkar, Shams Mulani and Sandeep Warrier
To know more details head to IPL’s official website.
