IPL 2019: Mumbai Indians Rope In Alzarri Joseph To Replace Adam Milne
Mar 28, 2019 at 11:05 AM
Mumbai Indians have roped in Windies speedster Alzarri Joseph to replace their New Zealand recruit Adam Milne. The right-arm pacer, who was signed in the last auction for INR 75 lakh, suffered a heel injury that ruled him out of the entire competition. Having Joseph in the team will be a big boost to Mumbai’s depleted fast-bowling department.
Alazarri Joseph, who has featured in nine Tests and 16 One-Day Internationals for the West Indies so far, is yet to play in the IPL. Mumbai Indians will be hoping that Joseph makes a mark in the league with his pace.
Prior to losing Milne, Mumbai had major concerns after reports came out that Lasith Malinga would at least the first six games of the season. With the Sri Lankan selectors making it mandatory for the players to play in the Super Provincial One Day domestic tournament in order to be considered for the World Cup selection, Malinga had decided to give almost the first half of the league a miss. However, the BCCI later persuaded the Sri Lankan board to allow Malinga to join the Mumbai Indians camp at the earliest.
Having Malinga back will be a huge boost for the Mumbai-based team. So far, Malinga has played 127 games for Mumbai Indians in the IPL and Champions League T20 and is the highest-wicket taker for the franchise with 179 scalps at an economy rate of 6.88.
The three-time winners then saw their pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah injuring his shoulder in the first game of the season against Delhi Capitals. Later, scans revealed that the injury was not serious. On Tuesday, Bumrah had participated in training but did not bowl. His participation in the upcoming game against Royal Challengers Bangalore is still in doubt.
Mumbai Indians, meanwhile, will be looking to open their account this season when they take on the Royal Challengers. Both the teams have started their season with losses. With Bumrah uncertain, Mumbai could hand the debut cap to Alzarri Joseph in Bangalore.