IPL 2020: Adam Zampa replaces Kane Richardson at RCB
Royal Challengers Bangalore on Monday (August 31) announced they have signed Australia legspinner Adam Zampa in place of fellow countryman Kane Richardson. The pacer pulled out of IPL 2020 to be with his wife who is expecting the couple’s first child.
We’re thrilled to welcome Adam Zampa in RCB colours. He replaces Kane Richardson. Let’s #PlayBold Adam Zampa. ??#PlayBold #IPL2020 #WeAreChallengers pic.twitter.com/63rnT8SvSV
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) August 31, 2020
Zampa has already been a part of the IPL earlier, having played for the Rising Pune Super Giant in 2016. Recording the best IPL figures by a spinner, he went on to pick 19 wickets in 11 matches. The legspinner’s addition boosts an already potent spin attack at RCB comprising Yuzvendra Chahal, Moeen Ali, Pawan Negi and the likes.
“We are disappointed to not have Kane’s skills with us this IPL as he’s certainly on top of his game,” said RCB’s head coach Mike Hesson.
“However, once we found out Kane and Nyki’s baby was due during the IPL, it’s an exciting time and we were fully supportive of Kane wanting to be at the birth of their first child.
“When looking at our squad for UAE conditions we felt it was an opportunity to bring in another quality legspinner in Adam Zampa to provide cover for Chahal and also give us extra options if conditions suit spin as expected during the tournament.”
Both Australians are currently in the UK for Australia’s limited-overs series against England that starts on September 4.
The Indian contingent of RCB arrived in the UAE on August 21. South African cricketers Dale Steyn, AB de Villiers and Chris Morris then joined the squad. After finishing their mandatory quarantine period, the team hit the ground running with their first practice session on Saturday (August 29).
Bold Diaries: First Practice Session
Watch how the first net session in over 5 months went for most of our players! ?#PlayBold #IPL2020 #WeAreChallengers pic.twitter.com/vWsSutD4vw
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) August 29, 2020
IPL 2020 kick starts on September 19, with the final scheduled for November 10. The BCCI is yet to release the final list of fixtures.
