IPL 2019: 3 players who can replace the injured Adam Milne for Mumbai Indians

Adam Milne is understood to have pulled out of the Indian Premier League due to injury concerns. The New Zealand fast bowler has a swollen heel and has hence, pulled out. While nothing has been confirmed yet, there is a good possibility that this report could come true.

The Kiwi aggravated a hamstring injury in November last year and was ruled out for 3 months. After that, he played 3 games in the Super Smash and was close to regaining full fitness. However, this is where his luck ended. He was called up to play for New Zealand XI against Bangladesh in a warm-up fixture. He bowled just 4 overs before rolling his ankle and hasn't played since then.

The rolled ankle might have gone from bad to worse and hence, he might have opted out. Mumbai Indians already have Lasith Malinga who will only be available for a few games. He has already advised them to call up a replacement player for him. Milne's reported absence will only make this worse.

Here's a look at 3 possible replacements for the injured Milne.

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#3 Dane Paterson

England v South Africa - 3rd NatWest T20 International

Dane Paterson would be a good choice for Mumbai Indians due to his various skills. While he may not have the pace that Milne possesses, he has his own set of skills. The South African has never had a taste of the IPL and he could be in the reckoning for an IPL stint this season.

He is a good exponent of the slower balls and has been quite successful at the death, a quality MI would need when Malinga and Jasprit Bumrah aren't present. He has picked up 81 wickets in 74 innings at an average of 24.17 and has an economy rate of 7.43. He also has a terrific strike rate of 19.3 with the ball.

Moreover, his chances of being picked in the South African squad aren't bright and he will be available for the whole season. This will be a key factor for them to consider as they might lose Jason Behrendorff due to the World Cup.

#2 Blair Tickner

New Zealand v India - International T20 Game 3

The Kiwi bowler has been in superb form over the last couple of months. He finished the Super Smash as the 3rd highest wicket-taker and his incredible performances led to a New Zealand call-up. Blair Tickner recently made his T20I debut against India and looked impressive. He even managed to pick up the wicket of a dangerous-looking Rishabh Pant.

He has picked up 52 wickets in 31 innings at an average of 17.42 and has an economy rate of 8.08. He has a phenomenal strike rate of 12.9 as a bowler, meaning that he almost picks up 2 wickets in every game.

The Central Districts bowler has done a great job over the last few years and a call-up by the Mumbai Indians will only be the icing on the cake. With their bowling coach a New Zealander in Shane Bond, there is a great possibility that the 25-year-old could take part in his maiden IPL.

#1 Alzarri Joseph

Guyana Amazon Warriors v St Kitts & Nevis Patriots - 2018 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) Tournament

Alzarri Joseph is a prime contender to replace Milne. MI will be very keen to land the youngster from Antigua as a replacement. The 22-year-old has been impressive for West Indies in the limited opportunities that have come his way. However, the one problem with the talented player is that he played just 7 T20s in his entire career.

While he has picked up 9 wickets, his average of 32.33 and economy rate of 11.17 is nothing but woeful. Those stats are ominous and MI might want someone with experience and not just raw talent. But there have been reports surrounding MI's interest in Joseph.

However, if it isn't him, then it should be Tickner due to his recent form and that MI's bowling coach Bond would have followed his domestic performances quite closely.