David Willey set to miss start of IPL 2024 due to personal reasons

After Mark Wood pulled out of this year’s Indian Premier League, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have been dealt with another blow. English all-rounder David Willey won’t be available during the initial few games for the franchise, citing personal reasons. 

Willey has been on the road for the past few months, where he has played at the International League T20 (ILT20) and the Pakistan Super League (PSL). While the all-rounder was expected to travel to India for the marquee tournament, he will instead travel back home. But the English all-rounder will return at some point during the competition. 

Lucknow’s head coach Justin Langer confirmed the news, stating that the franchise lack ‘experience’ with the ball. However, having seen the bowling unit closely, the former Australian coach was content that the talent pool could make up for the loss. 

"With Mark Wood pulling out of the tournament and also David Willey won't be coming now either, that means we lack some experience," Langer said, when asked about LSG's pace attack. 

"But what I've also seen in the last couple of days is that we have enormous talent. Some of our guys have had some injuries but they all look very fit at the moment.” 

Lucknow’s plans were spoilt with Wood pulling out of the competition. However, Langer sees this as an opportunity for the likes of Mayank Yadav to prove their worth. The 21-year-old from Delhi has shown his prowess at the domestic level, where he bowls thunderbolts. Langer attested to the same, stating that this is an opportunity for the Delhi speedster. 

"Mark Wood is a world-class bowler, isn't he? And he pulled out after the auction, which is disappointing but this is the world we live in," Langer said.

"We also have Shamar Joseph, we have Mayank (Yadav) who bowls with very good pace. Hopefully we can replace, not [Wood's] experience, but his pace with Shamar Joseph and Mayank. He'll be missed - of course he'll be missed, he's a world-class bowler - but this is the world we live in and we will adapt and we will be okay."

Lucknow open their 2024 IPL with a clash against Rajasthan Royals on March 24 (Sunday). 

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