IPL 2021: RCB’s Richardson & Zampa available for selection against Kolkata

The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) started their Indian Premier League 2021 journey with a 2-wicket victory over the defending champions, Mumbai Indians, in the tournament opener. Although the team had some key players missing due to different reasons.

RCB did not have Devdutt Padikkal in the ranks as the batsman was diagnosed with COVID-19 and even as recovered and joined the team bubble, the management opted to rest him for the first game. Their leg-spinner, Adam Zampa, was missing too due to personal reasons, while Kane Richardson was due to fulfill his quarantine protocols upon reaching India.

While the team’s director Mike Hesson confirmed that Devdutt Padikkal is available and will be considered for RCB’s upcoming game against Sunrisers Hyderabad, the information about Zampa and Richardson was awaited.

Richardon, Zampa available for selection against KKR: Mike Hesson

In the latest turn of events, Hesson confirmed that both Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson will be available for selection against Kolkata Knight Riders, who RCB will meet on 10th April at the Chepauk Stadium.

Hesson had told earlier: “We won’t have our full contingent of overseas players available for the first game. Adam Zampa is getting married. It’s an important time for him and it’s something that as a franchise we are aware of and we respect and we hope he has a great time. So when he joins us, once again he is going to be fresh and make a massive contribution to the rest of the tournament.”

Hesson had further informed, “We have got players arriving all the way through till 1st of April, which is where we get the NOCs for some of the overseas players, particularly those who are playing. Finn Allen is playing in T20s in New Zealand on the 1st of April; he will be coming the day after. We have got Australians who play up to 31st, likes of Daniel Sams, Kane Richardson. They then jump on a plane and come. ABD [de Villiers] arrives on 28th.”

Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bangalore will face off with Sunrisers Hyderabad in their second game of the league stage on 14th April 2021.