Lucknow: For the first time in IPL history, several teams are facing challenges with their pace bowlers due to injuries.

MI’s Jasprit Bumrah, who got injured during the final Border-Gavaskar Test in Sydney, is missing out on India’s successful Champions Trophy run, along with teammates Lizaad Williams and Allah Ghazanfar. KKR’s Umran Malik and LSG’s pace trio of Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan, and Mohsin Khan are also unlikely to be fit by the time the 18th season kicks off in Kolkata on Saturday.

Currently, the Lucknow Super Giants have brought in all-rounder Shardul Thakur and Shivam Mavi as potential replacements, though an official confirmation is still pending. LSG’s mentor and former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan believes teams should maintain a positive outlook and find solutions to navigate this situation.

“The circumstances for some of our players are changing due to injuries. But now is the time to focus on the positives and adapt to handle the situation effectively. Some players are at the National Cricket Academy, while others are working with their physiotherapists. It’s too early to make any definitive statements. This season will be unpredictable,” he mentioned on Wednesday.

Zaheer also pointed out that such challenges are common during the IPL. “With the IPL, you have to expect these kinds of uncertainties. LSG’s support staff is collaborating with the pacers, and we have strategies in place for the season,” he added, “We have 24 players in our squad, and we know how to secure victories.”

Zaheer, who stepped away from the IPL in 2017 after taking 102 wickets in 100 matches, thinks that managing workload is different for fast bowlers. “I want everyone to get more game time, and I notice that different players have their own methods for handling their workload. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Each player needs to play to their strengths. When I faced injuries during my career, I adjusted my bowling technique.”

“You need to manage things similarly. If you ask me, we’re not just focusing on injuries. What really matters is that we’re approaching the game as a cohesive team should in the IPL. If injuries come up, the captains are there to handle it. They’ve experienced similar challenges and see things in the same light.”

Zaheer is optimistic about LSG’s future with Rishabh Pant as the new captain. “Absolutely, with Pant at the helm, LSG is sure to adopt an aggressive style of play, full of energy. It’s a very positive group. You can expect a bold approach from both the team and Pant,” he shared. “We’re really excited and can’t wait for the season to kick off.”

Zaheer expressed confidence in the team's captain, saying, "We have a smart leader, and I believe Pant will prove to be a great captain. He connects well with the players and supports them."

He added, "We don’t really care about the criticism regarding Pant’s batting style. As a mentor, I want to see him play freely because he has the ability to take down any bowling attack."

Zaheer emphasized, "The key is to play to your potential; that’s how you can truly make an impact."

When asked about a different role for Ayush Badoni, the Delhi Ranji Trophy captain who has been performing well this season, Zaheer noted that Badoni's retention highlights his significance to the team.

"Badoni was kept on for a reason. He has made valuable contributions to the franchise, and his domestic performance has been impressive. We have high expectations for him moving forward," he stated.

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