IPL 2018: 5 replacements for Mitchell Starc

Mitchell Starc is no stranger to injuries. Previously, Royal Challengers Bangalore had to miss out on his services when he picked up a calf injury. With a lot of expectations this time around, the two-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) shelled out big bucks to get the tall and fiery pacer from Australia.

However, Starc has injured himself again, meaning that he will not feature in the upcoming IPL. While it is obvious that none of the unsold bowlers is as good as Starc, these are 5 bowlers the KKR management can look at to fill the void left by his absence:

#5 David Willey (England)

The left-arm quick from England can be a suitable replacement for Starc. Willey has performed well for his Big Bash League franchise, Perth Scorchers, and has been a regular fixture in their team.

His economy rate in T20s is under 8, and with the bat, he is capable of quick cameos, with his T20 average standing at over 23.

If KKR need someone to bowl four overs and swing the bat freely, Willey is the man they should turn to.

#4 Josh Hazlewood (Australia)

Josh Hazlewood

The 27-year-old Australian might not look too intimidating, but don't let that fool you. Hazlewood is extremely cunning as a bowler and knows how to get the better of the opposition.

Like Willey, his economy rate in T20s is under 8. Aside from that, Hazlewood was a part of the Mumbai Indians franchise in the past, so the IPL won't be totally unfamiliar territory for the owner of 37 T20 wickets.

#3 Tymal Mills (England)

Tymal Mills

Like the IPL auctioneer, Richard Madley, once said, 'a lot can change in the span of a year.' Don't believe it? Just ask English pacer Tymal Mills, who went from being a millionaire to just another unsold cricketer.

But Starc's injury might open the door for Mills. We all know what the Yorkshire man is capable of, and while he didn't do justice to his price tag last time around, KKR can snatch him for his base price which might prove to be a steal if he can find some of his best form.

#2 James Faulkner (Australia)

James Faulkner

If Kallis and Co. are looking for an experienced campaigner, someone who can guide the likes of Kamlesh Nagarkoti and Shivam Mavi, they can opt for the services of James Faulkner.

Faulkner has been associated with Rajasthan Royals and Gujarat Lions in the past. Having played over 150 T20 games, he has the necessary experience to excel in the IPL. Besides that, Faulkner is pretty handy with the bat and can play the role of an all-rounder.

#1 Morne Morkel (South Africa)

Morne Morkel

The KKR management can turn to the former leader of their pace department, Morne Morkel, if all else fails. Morkel, who will not be seen in the South African jersey after the ongoing series against Australia, was a part of KKR's IPL-winning team in 2014.

The tall and lanky South African has been a part of the IPL since 2009, a year after its inception. He has played 70 IPL games in total and has an impressive economy rate of just under 8.