IPL 2016: Royal Challengers Bangalore face injury woes; Mitchell Starc set to miss out

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have been arguably the strongest teams, at least on papers. But they have failed to implement that in the field as they are yet to get their hands on the IPL trophy ever since its inception. 

RCB management made some wise decisions during the IPL 2016 by roping in some serious talents in their ranks. But it seems that RCB are facing injury concerns even before the start of the cash-rich league. 

Mitchell Starc has confirmed that he will not be part of the RCB squad in the forthcoming IPL as he is still recovering from the surgery that he underwent in December after he broke his ankle during the historic day-night Test match against New Zealand at the Adelaide Oval. 

Starc's absence from the RCB playing XI will be a huge shortcoming team. Starc confirmed his absence through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Adam Milne, Kane Richardson, Sreenath Aravind, Stuart Binny and Varun Aaron are the other pacers in the RCB squad. The team management is yet to take a call on the replacement of Starc.  

Samuel Badree, who was roped in RCB during the IPL 2016 auction earlier this year, also hurt his elbow during the ICC World T20 Final against England. His fitness will also be an issue for Kohli & co. 

The West Indian leggie has flown back to the Caribbeans and is expected to join his new IPL franchises soon. 

Apart from AB de Villiers, Chris Gayle, Shane Watson, Milne, Kohli and Badree, rest of the team have started to gear up for the IPL 2016 in Bengaluru. The remaining players will join the rest of the squad Wednesday. 

Royal Challengers Bangalore will play their first game against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium April 12.