Mumbai Indians pacer, Pat Cummins, has been ruled out of IPL due to a back injury.
The 24-year-old pacer was purchased by the franchise for a huge amount of Rs 5.40 Crore.
His injury comes as a big blow for the franchise as he was expected to play a major role in the tournament.
The right-arm pacer has been a regular part of Australia in past one year.
Making his return to Test cricket last year, he has played a major part in Australia’s success.
He also played in all the five Ashes Test followed by four Tests against South Africa as well.
He remained injury-free during the period, which was a big relief for Australia.
Although, a big season has now seen him being sidelined from a big Mumbai Indians deal.
He becomes the fourth pacer in recent times to be ruled out of IPL.
Jason Behrendorff was the one to be ruled out of IPL due to back issues.
Mitchell Starc was later ruled out due to tibial bone stress.
Kagiso Rabada was also ruled out due to a lower back stress fracture.
Mumbai Indians have an option to replace Cummins with Lasith Malinga, who is the bowling mentor of the team.
He went unsold in the IPL auction but was later called in by the franchise as bowling mentor.
There are chances that the franchise might use his services as a player as well.
There is no official word on Cummins and franchise can only a replacement after Cummins is ruled out officially.
Until then, Mumbai Indians is expected to retain the pace attack which it used against Chennai Super Kings.
The Rohit Sharma led side lost the IPL opener in a thriller.
Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma has confirmed that Hardik Pandya is fit to play the second game of IPL.
It comes as a big relief for the team as he provides hiss services in both the departments of the game.
Mumbai Indians face Sunrisers Hyderabad in their next tie on in an away game on April 12.