IPL 2021: All the player replacements announced thus far

India’s cricket carnival, the Indian Premier League, resumes from 19th September in the UAE. The first half of the tournament was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic cases rising amongst the team camps. Now, the contingent has moved to the UAE where it had successfully hosted the IPL 2020 season without any major glitch. Alas, the migration isn’t all that simple.

The prospect of spending such a large amount of time in bio-bubble has taken a toll on few players and they have decided not to be a part of the most popular T20 league in the world. While this does cripple the franchises, it also has provided them with an opportunity to fill the gaping holes in their setups. The teams have named their replacement players on basis of their recent performances in other tournaments. Here’s a detailed team-wise breakdown of all replacements as on 14th September 2021.

Royal Challengers Bangalore

Virat Kohli’s men will be adjusting to the maximum changes in personnel. They have as many as five replacements. The Australian trio and the New Zealand opener will not be available while Washington Sundar is ruled out due to an injury. They have signed Sri Lankan leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, Sri Lankan pacer Dushmantha Chameera, England all-rounder George Garton, Singapore’s big-hitter Tim David and Bengal’s Akash Deep as replacements.

Rajasthan Royals

The pink team has suffered most severely as they will be missing Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer and Ben Stokes – three key match-winners. Rajasthan have compensated by adding New Zealand’s Glenn Phillips, South African chinaman Tabraiz Shamsi, West Indian opener Evin Lewis and West Indian pacer Oshane Thomas to their roster.

Punjab Kings

KL Rahul’s team will be missing the Australian pace duo of Jhye Richardson and Riley Meredith. Dawid Malan, who played in the Test series against India, has also decided to skip the IPL. Australia’s pacer Nathan Ellis and England leg-spinner Adil Rashid took the first two spots. South Africa’s top-order batsman Aiden Markram has replaced Malan.

Kolkata Knight Riders

Australian pacer Pat Cummins has withdrawn from the UAE leg of the IPL. KKR have brought in Tim Southee as his replacement. The New Zealand pacer has represented his nation in 83 T20Is and has taken 99 wickets.

Sunrisers Hyderabad

England’s explosive wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow will not be participating in the rest of the IPL 2021. West Indian middle-order batsman Sherfane Rutherford will take his place. Rutherford was with Mumbai Indians in IPL 2020.

Delhi Capitals

Chris Woakes, another England Test player, has pulled back his name from this year’s IPL. The Delhi franchise has signed up Australian pace bowler Ben Dwarshuis as Woakes’ replacement. The 27-year old pacer is yet to represent Australia in international cricket but has put up a solid performance in the Big Bash League.