Several IPL franchises are set to deal with a massive blow. The New Zealand players, who are a part of several IPL lineups will miss the IPL playoffs. The premier reason behind this colossal alteration is that the Kiwis are set to tour England in the last week of May. The Black Caps will play a couple of tests against England, commencing on the 21st of May. They are set to leave India on the 18th of May. A massive challenge awaits them as they will have just a couple of days to get acclimatized to the English conditions.
The likes of Brendon McCullum, Trent Boult, Kane Williamson, Tim Southee, Corey Anderson and Matt Henry are a part of the IPL and will have to follow a hectic schedule in order to brace themselves for the test series.
Brendon McCullum has been the pillar of strength for the Chennai Super Kings. His starts at the top of the order have been instrumental behind the success of the Super Kings. He is among the leading run getters of the tournament. In all probability, it will be Mr. Cricket, Mike Hussey who will replace the New Zealand captain at the top of the order. But, McCullum’s absence will dent the Super Kings massively.
Like McCullum, Trent Boult too has been significant for his IPL side. The Sunrisers have massively relied on Boult for the crucial strikes. Boult so far has troubled almost every batsman and he has been simply too hot to handle. With Dale Steyn himself struggling, the Sunrisers will find it hard to cope without Boult. It will just add excess burden on Bhuvneshwar Kumar to do well.
Tim Southee might not have set the stage on fire for the Rajasthan Royals but he was often accurate for them in his first spell. His economy rate has been on the higher side in this IPL, and often Chris Morris replaced him in the playing eleven. Thus his absence might not affect the Royals to a great extent. Southee would surely want to make the most of the English conditions in the tests.
Corey Anderson, the Mumbai Indians all rounder was ruled out of the IPL midway, but recently rejoined the side after recovering quickly. There was no doubt that Anderson would have made his way back into the team had he been 100% fit. But now, even though he is completely fit, he will have to depart for England.
Kane Williamson and Matt Henry have warmed the benches for their respective sides. Their absence is least likely to adversely affect their IPL sides.