The talk of the town currently is about IPL 2022 starting. The IPL is back in India after two years and will bring back its charm which the Indian audience has been missing. The 2022 edition was in UAE and the 2021 edition had to be cut-short and moved to UAE due to increasing Covid-19 cases. However, all of that is a matter of past and cricket lovers across the world can look forward to one of the biggest cricketing festivals unfold from tomorrow.
The 10 team tournament is all set to go all guns blazing after a spectacular auction. Teams have spent a lot of money and time in strategizing and building strong squad and cover all bases. However, contrary to expectations, few teams will have to go into the initial period of the IPL without some of their key players. We look at some such players who would join the squads later on.
Royal Challengers Bangalore
The RCB have picked up a few big hitters and tried to balance their squads. However, they shall be without the services of Glenn Maxwell for the first 2 matches as he just got married. Two of his other Australian teammates, i.e. Josh Hazlewood and Jason Behrendorff will also be missing due to their national commitments.
Mumbai Indians
Due to injury, Mumbai Indians will be without the services of Suryakumar Yadav. He will join he squad after completing his rehabilitation which he is currently undergoing in NCA, Bengaluru. He will join the team from the second game.
Chennai Super Kings
Due to visa issues, Moeen Ali could not join the squad earlier and reached Mumbai later. He is currently under the mandatory 3 days quarantine and will join the team from the second. In the opening game against KKR, CSK will be without the services of Ali.
Kolkata Knight Riders
Pat Cummins superbly captained his team to an emphatic series win in Pakistan and will also be in Pakistan for the limited overs leg. He will also have company from Aaron Finch and both players will miss the first 5 matches of KKR.
Punjab Kings
Punjab went ahead and picked up the South African pace spearhead, Kagiso Rabada in the 2022 auctions. However, Punjab will miss his services in their first game of the season. Their other international superstar, Jonny Bairstow will also be busy with national duty while England play West Indies and may in all likelihood join the squad after the first two games.
