Kings XI Punjab debut in the Champions League Twenty20 has suffered a setback with pace spearhead Mitchell Johnson likely to miss the tournament owing to a rib injury.
The show stealers of last year’s IPL begin their campaign by hosting Big Bash champions Hobart Hurricanes at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali today and coach Sanjay Bangar remained upbeat despite Johnson’s absence.
“Whether he is available or not, we still have a group of individuals who are capable of executing the role that is given to them,” Bangar said. “It will be good if he is available, but we are ready to cope with the eventuality of his non-availability.”
Johnson’s participation will depend on how he responds to the treatment he is undergoing in Australia.
“Mitch had some rib pain during the recent ODI tour of Zimbabwe. Since returning to Australia, he has had some scans that have confirmed some irritation of the tip of the rib,” physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said.
“He has had a break from bowling since returning to Australia and is having regular treatment to resolve the problem. He has not fully recovered as yet and will be reviewed over the next week.”
Johnson’s absence from the first game means Punjab will be without their two best bowlers after Sandeep Sharma was ruled out of the tournament earlier.
While Sharma took 18 wickets in 11 matches, Johnson claimed 17 from 14 matches in 2014 IPL.
All-rounder Thisara Perera is set to replace Johnson and Bangar expects the Sri Lankan to make full use of the opportunity.
He said: “Thisara is a quality player, a very dangerous player. We are glad that we are in a position to utilize his potential to the fullest. It is an opportunity for him to stake a claim on a regular basis.”
