'Was Underprepared to Play For CSK Back In 2018' Says Mark Wood
Mark Wood made his IPL debut for CSK in 2018 [Source: Twitter]
Mark Wood made a rousing return to the Indian Premier League (IPL), taking his maiden five-wicket haul in the competition while playing for the Lucknow Super Giants in their opening match of the 2023 season.
Wood, who made his IPL debut in 2018 for Chennai Super Kings, did not have a memorable outing, getting slammed for 49 runs in his four overs, which was his only match in the tournament before this season—in an interview with ESPNcricinfo, the England speedster revealed that he needed to prepare for CSK that season, having played in New Zealand before the event.
Wood returned to Chepauk in his second game for LSG, claiming three wickets against his former side, going for 49 runs.
The 33-year-old was signed by LSG in the 2022 edition and then retained for the 2023 edition, having missed last season due to an elbow injury.
Wood further stated that he wants to prove a point and establish himself as an IPL player, having done so well in international cricket for England.
Here's what Wood said:
"I don't think I was really prepared for CSK at that time. I'd just come off the back of a Test match tour [in New Zealand] and I hadn't prepared well. That was my own fault, really; I went into that game a bit underprepared and didn't do myself justice.
"To try and prove a point, or to try and prove that I'm up to this standard. The last time I was at Chennai, I was nowhere near the mark really, was I? I played one match and I got smashed. I felt like I had a bit of unfinished business, I guess, in terms of trying to come here and prove myself on a big stage."
While others have raved about Wood's pace in the competition so far, the bowler feels disappointed about not hitting 150km/hr speeds.
The leading wicket-taker in IPL 2023 will be in action against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Friday in their second home game.
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