Although the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL) is still over a month away, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have already suffered a significant setback. Having experienced a tumultuous three seasons, the four-time champions were hoping to use the upcoming tournament as an opportunity to hit the reset button after several of their key players retired.
These plans would have heavily relied on the contribution of New Zealand’s pace bowling all-rounder, Kyle Jamieson. However, the 28-year-old is expected to be absent from the upcoming tournament due to a recurring injury that requires him to undergo back surgery.
As a result, he will be out of competitive cricket for more than nine months, ruling him out of New Zealand’s ongoing two-Test series against England and making it unlikely for him to participate in the 2023 IPL.
Kyle Jamieson’s most recent appearance in international cricket was during a Test match against England in Nottingham in June 2022. He subsequently played in a practice match for a New Zealand XI side against England earlier this month. According to Gary Stead, the coach of the New Zealand team, “It has been a challenging and difficult period for Kyle, and his absence is a significant loss for us,” as reported by SEN Radio.
During this year’s mini-auction, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) signed Kyle Jamieson for ₹1 crore. However, the upcoming season of the IPL is scheduled to begin on March 31, and it is improbable that Jamieson will be fully fit to participate in most, if not all, of the tournament due to his recent surgery. According to Gary Stead, the coach of the New Zealand team, “A number of world-class players have undergone back surgery, and the duration of their recovery varies.
We want to give Kyle the best possible opportunity to recover because of how instrumental he has been for us. Surgery is a promising approach to expedite his return to play.” The Blackcaps suffered a 267-run defeat to England in the opening Test, and the second Test is set to commence at Basin Reserve on February 24.