What’s the story?
Chris Lynn’s participation in the rest of IPL 2017 is in doubt following a shoulder injury he sustained during Sunday evening’s clash between Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians.
The Australian was attempting to dismiss Mumbai’s Jos Buttler, but fell awkwardly as he dived to make an audacious catch. Confirming the likely seriousness of the incident, Lynn took to Twitter after the match, tweeting: “Dear Cricket Gods, did I do something wrong?"
In case you didn’t know…
Lynn’s left shoulder has proven consistently troublesome, with this being the third time he has injured it in the last two years.
Despite the setbacks, Lynn has excelled of late in the game’s one-day formats – his Twenty20 expertise made him a vital cog for the Brisbane Heat in the most recent Big Bash League. His efforts earned him an ODI call-up for Australia against Pakistan in January – a series he was unfortunately ruled out of after one game, after suffering a bulging disc in his neck.
This IPL looked set for more ‘Lynnsanity’ after the Knight Riders’ first match of the year, where Lynn and Gautam Gambhir set a new record for the highest opening stand in the tournament’s history (184), pummelling Gujarat Lions as they secured a 10-wicket victory inside 15 overs. Lynn smashed a stunning 93 not out in the encounter, a 41-ball knock featuring six fours and eight sixes.
The details
After failing to take the catch, Lynn fell to the ground heavily and was seen holding his shoulder and grimacing. He left the field straight away and was quickly seen to by Andrew Leipus, Kolkata’s physio, who strapped an ice pack to his shoulder in an effort to quell the pain.
In a cruel twist of fate, the injury came on the eve of Lynn’s 27th birthday. Concerned Brisbane Heat general manager Andrew McShea told ESPN: “We'll stay in close contact through this initial process as we get an idea of what the extent of the injury is and what the options are for him.”
What’s next?
There’s no official word yet as to Lynn’s status for the rest of the IPL, although the initial signs are not promising, especially given recent history. Whatever happens, he looks certain to be out for at least the next few games.
From the injury-prone Lynn’s perspective, this latest complication could be further reason for him to curtail his first-class career, reducing the workload so he can continue to play the shorter formats he has had most success in.
Author’s Take
This is a potentially devastating blow for Lynn. More frustratingly for himself and the Knight Riders, he had been showcasing superb early season form, with the aforementioned knock against Gujarat and 32 in the game versus Mumbai.
For Kolkata, the probable extended absence of one of their star overseas players will hinder them going forward, but the unlucky break has come early enough for them to make the necessary adjustments going forward.
However, it’s clear that without Lynn, their batting order looks considerably weaker. West Indian Darren Bravo could be a possible replacement for the Australian.
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