Australian wicketkeeper-batter Jos Inglis is back in the Indian Premier League and is reported to have joined his new franchise, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), ahead of their crucial clash against the Mumbai Indians on May 4. LSG currently sit at the bottom of the table alongside MI, with just four points from eight games.
There has been no official confirmation from the franchise, but according to an ESPNcricinfo report, the Australian will be available for selection as LSG look to regain momentum in what has been a difficult campaign so far. The report also states that South African batter Matthew Breetzke has left the squad mid-season due to personal reasons.
“Breetzke, meanwhile, has returned to South Africa. He had left the LSG squad before the April 26 home game against Kolkata Knight Riders, which went down to a Super Over. It is understood Breetzke went back primarily because a close family member on his wife’s side passed away recently. There is no information yet on whether Breetzke will return to the tournament,” the report added.
WILL INGLIS BRING AN END TO LSG’S WOES?
Inglis, meanwhile, had informed the franchise that he would miss the initial part of the IPL due to wedding-related commitments. The Australian tied the knot on April 18 in Western Australia. He was bought by LSG for 8.60 crore following an impressive maiden IPL stint with Punjab Kings last season. The wicketkeeper-batter scored 278 runs in 11 innings at a strike rate of 162.57, including one fifty-plus score.
He is expected to play a key role for a struggling LSG batting unit that has failed to fire this season. Their overseas star Nicholas Pooran has averaged just 10.25, while openers Aiden Markram (24.12) and Mitchell Marsh (26.50), along with captain Rishabh Pant (27), have been unable to deliver in crucial moments.
This phase of the tournament could prove to be make-or-break for LSG, who can no longer afford slip-ups if they are to remain in contention for a playoff spot. The week ahead is particularly demanding, with three matches lined up: Monday, May 4 against Mumbai Indians in Mumbai, Thursday, May 7 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Lucknow, and Sunday, May 10 against Chennai Super Kings in Chennai.
With Inglis now available, LSG will hope his inclusion injects much-needed energy and consistency into their campaign as they attempt to get their season back on track.
