IPL 2021: 4 franchises have final squads, 4 remaining teams still waiting for player replacements -

IPL 2021 Phase 2 – IPL 2021 Final Squads: With less than a month to go for IPL 2021 Phase 2, starting September 19 in the UAE, 4 franchises are still searching for players’ replacements. Amongst them, Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders have to confirm a player each while Rajasthan Royals are still waiting for a replacements for Ben Stokes and Andrew Tye. Virat Kohli’s Royal Challengers Bangalore also have to name a replacement for Kane Richardson. Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad have all players available.

Also Read: IPL 2021: RCB finalise squad, KKR & Punjab Kings continue search for replacements as more Australian players pullout from Phase 2 in UAE

IPL 2021: 4 franchises have final squads, 4 remaining teams still waiting for player replacements

IPL 2021 Phase 2 – IPL 2021 Final Squads:

Punjab Kings have to replace two unavailable players — Jhye Richardson and Riley Meredith. While they have brought in Nathan Ellis as the replacement, coach Anil Kumble is to decide the other.

Royal Challengers Bangalore have three players unavailable. Kane Richardson, Adam Zampa, Daniel Sams and Finn Allen all have pulled out. RCB have brought in Wanindu Hasaranga and Dushmatha Chameera and Tim David but are still in talks with George Garton to replace the Australian as replacement player Scott Kuggeleijn is also not returning.

For Kolkata Knight Riders, the only absentee is Pat Cummins. The Australian has already announced that he will not be returning for the UAE leg of the tournament. It’s a big void to fill as they need a fast bowler who can also deliver with the ball to maintain the balance in the team.

For Rajasthan Royals, Jofra Archer’s replacement Andrew Tye is expected to return but hasn’t yet been confirmed. The only certain pull out was Jos Buttler and the franchise has already named Glenn Phillips as the replacement. But the franchise is still waiting for a response from all-rounder Ben Stokes.

The England all-rounder is recovering from a finger injury that he suffered in the 1^st match of IPL 2021 and has taken an indefinite break from cricket. The other one yet to confirm his return is Liam Livingstone. The England batsman is expected to return though.

Also Read: IPL 2021: Punjab Kings CEO says ‘Anil Kumble will finalise one more replacement in next 2 days’

IPL 2021 Phase 2: Franchises who still do not have a complete squad:

Rajasthan Royals still have a spot to fill in Ben Stokes’ absence if he doesn’t return and still waiting for a confirmation on Andrew Tye.
Kolkata Knight Riders will have to name a replacement for Pat Cummins.
Punjab Kings need a fast bowler to replace Jhye Richardson.
Royal Challengers Bangalore have to name a replacement for Kane Richardson.

IPL 2021 Phase 2: MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings were the first team to announce that they have all players available while Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals too have finalised the squads. Sunrisers Hyderabad could have been dealt a big blow but Jonny Bairstow, David Warner and Kane Williamson are all confirmed to return for the UAE leg.

It should be noted that BCCI had initially given the deadline of August 20 to finalise the squad but some franchises asked for extension amid uncertainty over players’ return.

“Yes, BCCI’s delay in responding officially did play a part in last-minute hassle. We kept hearing about players’ availability in the news but BCCI only confirmed that officially in August.” a franchise official told InsideSport.co last week.

Cricket