Mumbai Indians’ uncapped prospect, Vishnu Vinod, has been sidelined for the remainder of the ongoing IPL 2024 season due to a forearm injury.
Vinod’s absence creates a vacancy in MI’s squad, prompting them to bring in Saurashtra’s Hardik Desai as a replacement. Desai, another wicketkeeper-batsman, will be eager to grab this opportunity and showcase his skills in the high-pressure environment of the IPL.
While Vishnu Vinod didn’t take part in any of the MI games so far in IPL 2024, this may not be an ideal situation for the franchise, who are currently struggling. MI started off their campaign with three consecutive losses and are currently placed eighth on the points table.
Vinod, who played three games for MI, impressed last season when he made a 20-ball 30 against a potent bowling lineup of Gujarat Titans. He was involved in a 65-run stand alongside Suryakumar Yadav in that particular match.
More on IPL 2024
Who is Harvik Desai, the new MI player?
Born in Saurashtra, Harvik Desai is a frontline wicket-keeper who famously hit the winning runs for India at the U-19 ODI World Cup 2018 final against Australia. He was key figure of the World Cup winning team, that was captained by Prithvi Shaw and featured the likes of Shubman Gill, Shivam Mavi, Riyan Parag and Abhishek Sharma.
Check out his T20 career stats
| Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | 50/100 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27 | 691 | 30.04 | 134.17 | 4/1 |
Desai is a typical multi-format player, who has been a vital cog for Saurashtra since some time now. The 24-year-old had a superlative Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy last year, where he hammered 336 runs at an immaculate average and strike rate of 67.20 and 175.00, respectively.
This IPL season presents a golden opportunity for Desai, who will look to showcase his talent at the grandest stage.
