It seems like Mumbai Indians' 2023 IPL season is in jeopardy even before the start as after Jasprit Bumrah, another star pacer is set to be ruled out of the tournament. The Australian speedster Jhye Richardson suffered a hamstring injury in his comeback match after a couple of months, however, he could bowl only four overs in the 50-over fixture. The injury has ruled him out of the ODI series against India and the pacer is unlikely to be fit in time for IPL 2023, as per reports.

As per a report by ESPNCricinfo, Richardson, who hadn't played a single game since straining his hamstring on January 4 during the Big Bash League (BBL) was sidelined for a few games due to a minor injury. But he didn't return for the Perth Scorchers in the knockouts. Richardson didn't play a single game in the Marsh Cup or Sheffield Shield but returned to competitive cricket playing a 50-over game for his club Fremantle. Richardson did take 3/5 but returned back and went for scans.

The report said that the injury and the recovery could sideline him for another significant period, which makes him unlikely to be fit in time to represent the Mumbai Indians in IPL 2023. Richardson was bought by the five-time champions at his base price of INR 1.5 crore.

This will be a body blow for the MI, who are already struggling with their pace-bowling options with Bumrah already ruled out of the action as he is set to undergo back surgery. With Jofra Archer also returning after a long injury layoff, the franchise will be a little precautionary in playing him all 14 league games.

In Bumrah and Richardson's absence, the likes of Archer, Cameron Green and Jason Behrendorff will have to do the bulk of work in the pace department while the Mumbai team will be looking to add a couple of replacements to their squad ahead of the 16th edition of the league.

Pacer Nathan Ellis has replaced Richardson in Australia's ODI squad for the three-match series against India starting March 17.

(With inputs from agencies)