IPL 2019 | Mumbai Indians replace Adam Milne with Alzarri Joseph

The only thing worse than Mumbai Indians’ defeat against Delhi Capitals was the shoulder injury to Jasprit Bumrah. The Mumbai-based franchise has started in a familiar manner as has always been the case with them. However, their ability to bounce back could be seriously compromised by their increasing injury list and they need to reorganize fast.

As if losing their prime wicket-taker was not enough, MI had to lose Kiwi pacer Adam Milne as well after the player succumbed to a heel injury. And a statement from the IPL on Thursday has now confirmed that Mumbai has decided to get in Joseph in Milne’s place.

Joseph has played nine Test matches and 16 ODIs for West Indies, taking 25 and 24 wickets respectively and stole the limelight in the recently concluded Test against England where took 10 wickets in three matches. He would be joining the squad soon although it hasn’t been clarified if he would be available for Mumbai’s next couple of matches.

The BCCI press release said, “Mumbai Indians have picked Alzarri Joseph as a replacement for the injured fast bowler Adam Milne for the VIVO Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019. Joseph has featured in nine Tests and 16 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) for the West Indies so far. The VIVO IPL 2019 will be his first appearance in the tournament. Mumbai Indians will face the Royal Challengers Bangalore for their second game in the VIVO IPL 2019 at Bangalore on March 28.”

As per the IPL rules, the amount to be paid for a replacement player cannot exceed the amount paid to the original player, and although the fee isn’t disclosed Milne was bought for Rs 75 lakh in the auction by Mumbai. Mumbai Indians takes on Royal Challengers Bangalore in Bengaluru on Thursday.