IPL 2017: Kings XI Punjab's Marcus Stoinis ruled out for the rest of the league

What’s the story?

Kings XI Punjab all-rounder, Marcus Stoinis, has been ruled out for the remainder of the IPL. Stoinis injured his shoulder while taking a diving catch in the practice session held before Punjab’s clash with RCB on 5^th May. The 27-year-old played five matches for Punjab this season but has failed to replicate his remarkable feats from the 2016 edition.

The all-rounder is the latest to suffer from a shoulder injury, following Andrew Tye and Chris Lynn.

In case you didn’t know

Stoinis has had a mediocre season thus far for the Punjab-based franchise. He has amassed only 17 runs and scalped two breakthroughs in the five matches he has played so far this season. He was a mainstay for the side in the previous edition of the IPL, scoring a total of 146 runs at a healthy average of 36.50 and picked up 8 wickets with an impressive strike rate of 17.25.

The heart of the matter

Kings XI Punjab have dearly missed an experienced overseas all-rounder this season, who can both bat and ball with equal efficiency. With Stoinis not performing up to his potential this season, KXIP have relied on their Indian all-rounder, Axar Patel, to carry the team through with his batting and bowling skills.

Even during his phenomenal run with the franchise last year, Stoinis had to leave the side midway for personal reasons.

The extent of Stoinis’ injury is unknown but he has only a few weeks to recover before he travels to the UK for the Champions Trophy. Stoinis has been in India since he was named as a replacement for Mitchell Marsh, for Australia’s tour of India earlier this year.

What’s next

The Aussie all-rounder will now face a race against time to be fit for Australia’s Champions Trophy campaign.

Kings XI Punjab are currently fifth in the points table, with 10 points from 10 games. They have a chance of qualifying for the playoffs, with four more matches to go, but need to bring in some consistency if they want to reach the next stage.

Author’s take

As the crucial fag end of the tournament has begun, Punjab have to get things going as quickly as possible. And with Axar Patel now understanding his optimum game and coming to the fore for the side, KXIP might not miss the presence of Stoinis, who had a below average season for the side this year.