Why is Mark Wood Not Playing Today’s IPL 2023 Match between Rajasthan Royals and Lucknow Super Giants in Jaipur?

During the 26th match of the ongoing 16th season of the Indian Premier League between Rajasthan Royals and Lucknow Super Giants in Jaipur, Rajasthan captain Sanju Samson has won the toss and chose to bowl.

“We are going to bowl first. It looks like a really good wicket. We are very happy to come back to Jaipur and play after four years. It’s all about how we react under pressure. We have a fearless attitude,” Samson told host broadcaster Star Sports Network at the toss.

The only change for the home team has come in the form of all-rounder Jason Holder replacing spinner Adam Zampa in the Playing XI.

Why is Mark Wood Not Playing Today vs Rajasthan Royals?

With his team playing its first match at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium tonight, Lucknow captain KL Rahul was also looking to chase a target. Rahul, however, wasn’t majorly affected on being asked to set a target by his counterpart.

“We would have bowled first as well. First game here. It’s important that we start well and put a good total on the board. We’ve executed well in most games. We have had clarity with bat on ball. All three skills have been good. We are quite settled,” Rahul told Star Sports at the toss.

Much like the hosts, even the visitors have made a lone change to their Playing XI for this match. Readers must note that fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq is playing his first-ever IPL match on Wednesday. The Afghan cricketer has replaced England pacer Mark Wood in the XI.

It is worth a mention that neither Rahul was asked about the rationale behind the move nor he talked about it at the toss. Hence, it remains unknown if Wood is injured or has just been rested. Joint-highest wicket-taker in the season on the back of dismissing 11 batters at an average of 11.81, an economy rate of 8.12 and a strike rate of 8.7, Wood can’t be dropped on form.

It is noteworthy that Wood had missed a match earlier in the season due to a flu. West Indies all-rounder Romario Shepherd had come into the XI in his place back then.