Mark Wood Flies Back to England for Daughter’s Birth, Leaving Lucknow Super Giants Camp

Lucknow Super Giants’ fast bowler Mark Wood has left the franchise’s camp in the middle of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 season to fly back to England for the birth of his daughter. Wood confirmed the news in a video released by LSG on their Twitter handle in the early hours of May 8. He is expected to return to the team if they make it to the playoffs, although the chances of that happening remain uncertain.

Brilliant form with 11 wickets in four games

The 33-year-old Englishman has played four matches for LSG in the ongoing IPL season, where he has picked up 11 wickets. Despite displaying brilliant form with the ball, he was sidelined due to a bout of flu and replaced by Naveen-ul-Haq. However, he has expressed his desire to recharge and come back stronger in the future.

In the video released by LSG, Wood said, “I am sorry that unfortunately I have not played more, and in the four games that I have managed to play, I have managed to get a few wickets, and hopefully, I can charge in again.” He also praised the team’s backroom staff, calling them fantastic and expressed his love for the team.

Motivates teammates to make it to the playoffs

Before leaving the camp, Wood encouraged his LSG teammates and urged them to give their best in the business end of the tournament to qualify for the IPL playoffs and eventually for the finals. He mentioned that the team was training hard, and he expected the fans to support them as they entered an important chapter in the season.

Wood said, “One last push and get into those playoffs and make it to the finals. That’s the goal and as a group, we understand that. It is tough in sports, you win some and you lose some but the lads are training hard. There are some fantastic characters in the group, and they really try everything for your team. So keep believing and back them up, and I am sure they’ll come good.”

Although Wood expects to return to LSG if they make it to the playoffs, the franchise’s chances of advancing to the next round appear uncertain. Wood was seen taking the signatures of many of his teammates before leaving the camp, which suggests that he may not return to India for the remainder of the season.