Since the inception of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008, the tournament had flocked a large contingent of players from Australia.

The sole focus for some of the players in Big Bash League and the national side is to perform to strike lucrative deals at the auctions of IPL.

This time around, even without the like of Aussie giants, Steven Smith and David Warner, as many as fourteen players will be boarding the flight to India to participate in the tournament.

Mitchell Johnson. Photo by Ron Gaunt – Sportzpics – IPL

IPL 2018: Australian Contingent in IPL Gear-Up for the Upcoming Challenges 1 — Mitchell Johnson. Photo by Ron Gaunt – Sportzpics – IPL

KKR CEO, who received a major blow before the start of the tournament, reckons the team won’t miss the services of Starc with Johnson in the side.

“Johnson’s played a lot at the IPL and won two championships (with Mumbai Indians). He’s an outstanding bowler – you saw how he bowled at the Big Bash,” commented KKR lynchpin Venky Mysore, according to cricket.co.au.

However, KKR still is looking for a replacement for Starc in their lineup. Tom Curran has been signed by the two-time winning IPL-side recently.

Won’t miss Starc: Venky Mysore

“He’s still fit, still bowling 145-plus and is an experienced campaigner. So, at least in the initial stage we won’t miss Starc, but we’re looking at replacements,” Mysore added.

While fielding during the Trans-Tasman Tri-nation series, KKR stalwart Chris Lynn injured his problematic shoulder yet again.

Moreover, the KKR think tank would be thankful, as Lynn is getting back into action yet again.

“The docs and the physios are happy so that’s all I can do. Fingers crossed I can keep going in the right direction … I’m doing everything I can to get back out there,” suggested the Australian international.

Also, Lynn went on to state that he intends to train along with MI’s Ben Cutting and SRH’s Billy Stanlake.

“I’ve had a bat during the week just on throwdowns, so I’ll ramp it up against ‘Cuttsy’ (Ben Cutting) and Billy Stanlake. If I can get through those two blokes, I’ll know I’m going OK,” concluded Lynn.