IPL 2018: 5 players who can fill void created by Mitchell Starc's absence

Kolkata Knight Riders have suffered a crucial blow in the build-up to IPL 2018 as their front-line pace bowler Mitchell Starc has been ruled out of the season having suffered a tibial bone stress in his right leg. The Australian, who was in the playing XI in the first three Test matches against South Africa, had to miss the fourth game due to the very same reason.

Though Mitchell Johnson is already a part of the squad, Kolkata Knight Riders will name a replacement from the list of unsold players. Here, we analyze the best possible options to replace the injured Aussie:

#5 Tymal Mills

Tymal Mills surprisingly went unsold this season

If KKR are on the lookout for a like-for-like replacement, it doesn't get any better than Tymal Mills. The bustling left-arm fast bowler, who was the second most expensive player at the auctions last year, failed to live up to those expectations in a dismal season for Royal Challengers Bangalore, which ultimately saw him being dropped from the team.

The pacer, who only plays T20s due to injury concerns, paid for his inconsistent performances with franchises considering him an expensive luxury due to his lack of fitness, batting and fielding abilities.

KKR's desperation might lead to them taking a punt on the mercurial pacer who is considered a T20 specialist.

#4 Matt Henry

Wicket-taking replacement for Starc

Matt Henry might turn out to be the perfect replacement for Mitchell Starc due to his wicket-taking abilities. The Kiwi bowler has surprisingly failed to cement a place in the ODI team for New Zealand despite boasting of an eye-catching tally of 67 wickets in just 35 ODIs.

He was picked by Kings XI Punjab in the 2017 IPL but failed to justify his selection by leaking runs in the two matches that he was given the chance to play. This and being dropped from the New Zealand team led to his non-selection in the IPL auctions this year. Starc's injury might prove to be a blessing in disguise for this talented Kiwi though.

#3 Adam Milne

Adam Milne has impressed in T20Is for New Zealand

New Zealand pacer Adam Milne, who brought back memories of tearaway quick Shane Bond due to his ability to generate sharp pace, has managed to grab a lot of eyeballs ever since making his debut. He has, however, been in and out of his national team due to his inconsistent performances.

His brilliant showings in T20s though landed him an IPL contract with Royal Challengers Bangalore ahead of the 2016 IPL. However, he failed to live up to those expectations in the absence of the injured Mitchell Starc. Having gone unsold in the 2018 auction, life might come a full circle now as there is a possibility that he might be signed as the replacement for the injured Starc by Kolkata Knight Riders.

#2 David Willey

David Willey can provide KKR with a different dynamic

David Willey, who is one of England's top T20 players, surprisingly went unsold in the auction. He could turn out to be an interesting choice for Kolkata Knight Riders. Willey opens the batting for his county side and could provide Kolkata Knight Riders with an additional option at the top of the order. He is also a reliable bowler with the new ball as he has the ability to swing the ball at decent pace.

The issue with Willey has always been his inability to bowl at the death. He tends to come unstuck when bowling in conditions that don't aid swing bowling. However, the all-round abilities that Willey offers might prompt Kolkata Knight Riders to pick him as Starc's replacement.

#1 Morne Morkel

Morne Morkel is in the form of his life

Morne Morkel, who will retire from international cricket at the conclusion of the series against Australia, has enjoyed a stunning end to his career. The tall quick, who has always been in the shadows of more illustrious teammates like Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander and Kagiso Rabada, has been South Africa's best ODI pacer over the past 10 years. He has carried this form into previous editions of the IPL too, always performing well for his teams.

On current form, he looks the most likely replacement for the injured Mitchell Starc. He can also provide the much-needed guidance for young Indian quicks Kamlesh Nagarkoti and Shivam Mavi. Moreover, Morkel has also played for Kolkata Knight Riders in the past and the familiarity with the Indian conditions might just prove to be the deciding factor.