IPL 2018: 3 injured players who could have made a huge impact

As the IPL comes closer to its commencement, the list of the injured players who have been ruled out of the tournament keeps getting longer. This time too, there were some big names who had to pull out due to injuries.

One of the reasons for as many injuries before the IPL is that cricketing seasons in most of the countries end by March and there is not enough fuel left in the tank for the players.

Injuries are very unfortunate for the cricketers who were picked up by the franchises for huge amounts and were expected to be the stars in the IPL. Here are three such injured cricketers who could have made a significant impact.

---

#3 Nathan Coulter-Nile

Coulter-Nile was brilliant for the KKR last season

The Australian speedster was the strike bowler for Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2017 edition of IPL and was the pick of KKR bowlers, returning with 15 wickets from 8 games. He looked threatening when he was in India for an ODI series in September 2017 as well.

However, a back stress fracture ended his IPL season even before it began, unfortunately. This season, he was picked up by the Royal Challengers Bangalore and was expected to spearhead their bowling attack. Being the senior-most seamer in RCB ranks, Coulter-Nile was an automatic choice in the playing XI.

A career marred by injuries came to another halt as soon as he was reinventing himself in the international arena. New Zealand all-rounder Corey Anderson was named as Coulter-Niles's replacement.

#2 Kagiso Rabada

Kagiso Rabada is one of the best pacers in the modern era

The young pace sensation has been making headlines in every game that he has played for the Proteas of late. Rabada was meant to represent the Delhi Daredevils this season before he was ruled out with a back injury.

The fast and furious pacer would have been a vital cog in the Delhi Daredevils pace attack this season. His intimidating pace is something that Delhi will miss this year since they have let go of Pat Cummins.

The Delhi Daredevils have announced Liam Plunkett as his replacement. However, it is still a body blow for them since they have lost their most precious bowler. These are still early days in Rabada's career as he has played only 6 games in the IPL so far and has picked as many wickets.

#1 Mitchell Starc

Mitchell Starc last played the IPL in 2015

Mitchell Starc's another IPL stint ended prematurely after he suffered tibial bone stress in his right leg. This will be the third straight IPL season which Starc will not be a part of. Having played for the RCB last in 2015, he missed the 2016 season and the 2017 season as well.

Starc was due to play for the Kolkata Knight Riders in 2018. He was picked up at the auction for a whopping Rs 9.4 crores and was expected to be the go-to man with the ball. Starc's ability to get the ball to reverse swing makes him an invaluable asset to any team. The KKR bowling attack has lost venom after his injury.

Starc's performances in his little IPL career have been phenomenal, picking 34 wickets from 27 games. English pacer Tom Curran has been announced as his replacement for the 2018 season of the IPL.