Relief for KKR: Chris Lynn Expects to be Fit Before IPL

Chris Lynn, the Australian batsman and the potential captain of the Kolkata Knight Rider (KKR), who sustained a shoulder injury during Australia's T20 tri-series final game against New Zealand at Eden Park, on Wednesday (February 21), will not undergo a surgery. On Thursday, his doctors have confirmed this development. The news has come as a big sigh of relief for his fans across the world and especially, for the KKR management ahead of the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The 27-year old hard-hitting batsman dislocated his right shoulder while diving to stop a ball from going to the boundary in that T20 International fixture. He looked in severe pain and immediately taken off the field and took no further part in the game. However, thankfully for him, recent X-Rays have revealed no major bone injury and based on that report his doctors have decided against a surgery.

Once the joint settles down, Lynn will commence his rehabilitation. He has already withdrawn from the ongoing edition of Pakistan Super League and will try his level best to make it to the IPL, which starts on April 7.

"Chris got a positive result from the doctors who said he will not need surgery,'' Lynn's manager Stephen Atkinson said in a media briefing. "Chris is disappointed at missing the Pakistan Super League, but he will be making every effort to play in the Indian Premier League and, if selected, the five one-dayers for Australia in England in June," he added.

Since the start of his career, Lynn has been known as an injury-prone cricketer. He missed several international and domestic fixtures due various injuries. He has gone through several surgeries as well. Even during the 2017 edition of the IPL, while representing the KKR, the Australian cricketer missed a lot matches after dislocating his left-shoulder during fielding.

Chris Lynn's injury list:

Early 2011: Broken finger

2011-12: Hamstring strain

November 2012: Ruptured testicle after being struck by pace delivery (surgery needed)

2014: Rotator cuff injury, left shoulder (surgery needed)

2015: Injured left shoulder in fielding drill

2017: (Left) shoulder reconstruction surgery

2017-18: Sore hamstring

January 2018: Calf injury — missed ODI series

February 2018: Dislocates right shoulder in T20I

However, despite this long list of injuries, Lynn has always been a hot choice in white-ball cricket, especially in the T20 format, in which he averages 36.12 with a strike-rate of 148.35. Currently, he is regarded one of best in the business when it comes to domestic franchise-based T20 leagues around the world. In the last IPL auction, the Red Chilies owned KKR bought him with a whopping amount of US Dollar 1.86 million (INR 9.60 crore). He was the highest-paid Australian cricketer in this year’s auction.

After releasing its long-term skipper Gautam Gambhir, KKR are currently in search of a leader. And having led the Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League, Lynn seems like the most likely option.

Recently, the former South African cricketer and the head-coach of the KKR, Jacques Kallis has provided a hint that Lynn is one of the strong contenders for the leadership role.

"Yes, he is probably one of the candidates, but we haven't yet decided about it. Maybe, we will get to know in the next couple of weeks," Kallis said.

While talking to cricket.com.au, Lynn himself recently said that he would be delighted to lead the KKR side if given an opportunity.

"I'd love to, I'd jump at the opportunity," Lynn was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au when asked if he would like to be the KKR captain in the upcoming edition of the IPL. We've got a really good group at Kolkata. The coaching staff, Simon Katich, Jacques Kallis, Heath Streak ... I can relate [easily to] them."

Hence, looking at all this scenario, it is obvious that the KKR team management and its huge fan base are currently keeping a close eye on Lynn’s rehabilitation.