Veteran England fast bowler Mark Wood has shared a remarkable behind-the-scenes episode from his Indian Premier League stint, describing how franchise leadership helped him navigate a serious bout of illness just before a match. Speaking on BBC’s “Strategic Timeout” podcast, Wood said he was hit by a high fever ahead of an IPL game and revealed that the team owner responded with an unusual plan to get him on the field.
Fever days before the match
Wood said his condition worsened after roughly five matches, and the next fixture was scheduled only about three days later. While explaining how the franchise handled his recovery, he described constant medical attention and close monitoring of his health.
- Wood stated that after about five games he felt unwell with a high fever.
- He said the following match was set to take place in around three days.
- He added that a doctor would remain available every half hour, coming to his room to check his vitals.
According to Wood, the owner checked in during the illness as well. He recalled being asked if he was ready to travel, but he responded that he still could not get out of bed and had not been able to eat or drink properly.
- Wood remembered the owner calling to ask how he was feeling and whether he was ready to go.
- Wood said he told the owner he had eaten or drunk nothing and still couldn’t get out of bed.
- He said the owner assured him that another doctor would be arranged and that further steps would be taken.
Private planes offered to keep him playing
Wood then explained the extent of the franchise’s effort to ensure he was able to participate. He said the owner proposed sending him by private aircraft and even promised immediate return travel directly after the match so Wood could recover without delay.
The England pacer described how the offer came through again the next day. When the owner asked about his condition, Wood said he was still not well, prompting the owner to outline a plan: fly him in, play the match, then send him back straight to his bedside.
- Wood said the owner offered to arrange two private flights specifically to help him make the game.
- He recalled the owner asking again the next day about how he was feeling.
- Wood said he told him he was still not good enough to be fit.
- He added that the owner promised a private plane for match day and said the same aircraft would return immediately after the game so Wood could go back to his bed.
Decision, advice, and IPL career details
Wood said he briefly considered taking the offer and even contacted his father for guidance. However, he ultimately chose not to go ahead with the plan.
Wood also outlined his IPL record across teams. He has represented two franchises during his career: Chennai Super Kings and Lucknow Super Giants. In IPL 2018, he appeared in one match for CSK, and later in IPL 2023 he played four times for LSG.
- Wood played one match for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2018.
- He played four matches for Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2023.
- Across those four appearances for LSG, Wood took 11 wickets.
