Gujarat Titan player Glenn Phillips has been ruled out of the ongoing Indian Premiere League (IPL) due to an injury he had while playing against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 6.
The Kiwi all-rounder, who has returned home, “sustained a groin injury during the IPL contest against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 6,” the Titans said in a statement. He was a substitute fielder in the game against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Groin injuries are quite common among cricketers. The groin area includes several muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the inner thigh region, and these structures can get strained or torn due to overuse, poor warm-ups, or sudden movements.
Fast bowlers and fielders are particularly at risk due to the explosive movements involved in their roles.
For example, during diving, running between wickets, or bowling a good spell, a cricketer may stretch the groin muscles too much, causing pain, swelling, and limited movement. At times, the injury could be minor and heal with rest and physiotherapy, but in severe cases, it could result in muscle tears or even surgery.
Symptoms typically include sharp or dull pain in the inner thigh or lower abdomen, stiffness, difficulty in lifting the leg, and discomfort while running or changing direction.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, groin strains are graded based on the extent of muscle damage, and treatment involves rest, stretching, and gradual strengthening to restore full function.
Professional athletes like cricketers may undergo more intensive rehab programs, including physiotherapy, core stability work, and sport-specific drills.
Recovery time for a groin strain varies based on the extent of the strain. Mild strains (Grade 1), where the muscle is stretched but not ruptured, usually recover within 1 to 2 weeks with adequate rest, ice, and physical therapy. Moderate strains (Grade 2), where there are partial muscle tears, can take 3 to 6 weeks. Serious injuries (Grade 3), in which the tendon or muscle is ruptured, may require 2 to 3 months or more, usually with surgery and formal rehabilitation.
Treatment usually involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), along with painkillers and physiotherapy. For professional cricketers, injury management also includes strengthening exercises, core stabilization, and a gradual return-to-play plan to prevent recurrence.
