Shimron Hetmyer, a raw West Indian talent, is representing Rajasthan Royals (RR), for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022. Released by his previous IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Hetmyer was purchased by RR, through the IPL mega auction 2022.
Proving the franchise’s decision right, Hetmyer is having a prime season with RR. The 25-year-old has scored, actually ‘smashed’ 291 runs in 11 innings with a half-century, this season. Hetmyer has scored runs at a massive strike rate of 166.28 and at an average of 72.75. Being a desired finisher for RR, Hetmyer has hit 21 sixes and is the third-highest six-hitter in the tournament. Hetmyer, in his 11 innings this term, has remained not-out seven times, most in the IPL 2022
. With all these goods in his account, the left-hand batter is leaving the RR camp for the birth of his first child. Although he will be back sooner, Hetmyer may miss a few games and for RR, it should be a hard job to replace a player like him.
If we have a look at the RR squad, there are no experienced and intended finishers to help out Riyan Parag, another finisher in the RR team. Here are the three players who can replace Shimron Hetmyer in Rajasthan Royals to know more.
3 Players who can replace Shimron Hetmyer in Rajasthan Royals
1. James Neesham
The Kiwi batting all-rounder has only played one match for the Royals and has otherwise warmed the benches. Released by Mumbai Indians (MI), RR bought Neesham for a high price of INR 1.50 crore, through the IPL mega auction 2022.
The left-hand batter has more familiarity with the IPL environment, as he has played many games for his previous franchises. With Mumbai, Neesham had a decent season, with the ball especially. But the 31-year-old New Zealand international has some spare skills with the bat, as he is a decent option in the lower middle-order. Also, other than filling an overseas slot, the skipper Sanju Samson will get an extra bowling option too.
Neesham played a match for RR this season, against Hardik Pandya led Gujarat Titans (GT). Neesham couldn’t do well with both the bat and ball. He scored 17 runs off 15 balls and conceded 29 runs at an economy of 9.66, in three overs of his spell. Perceptibly a match cannot define the player, but looking at others, Neesham indeed sounds a good option.
Besides, Neesham has scored 416 runs in 29 international T20I innings at a massive strike rate of 151.82 and has taken 21 wickets at an economy of 9.22.
2. Rassie van der Dussen
The Proteas top-order batter Rassie van der Dussen was procured by the Royals for his base price of INR 1 crore. He has played a couple of matches for RR but failed to perform. He has scored only 10 runs, batting at No.4 and 5 respectively.
Dussen, without a remarkable breakthrough still can be a decent option, looking at his experience, skills, and technique overall, if skipper Samson wants a proper batter. Just for the knowledge, Dussen announced himself in international cricket in style scoring 93 runs in his ODI debut, against Pakistan.
He has scored 933 runs in 31 international T20I innings, at a strike rate of 130.85. Besides, the 33-year-old has the highest career batting average (71.84) and no ducks in his career of 29 ODI innings.
3. Karun Nair
The RR management bought the experienced Indian top-order batter, Karun Nair, for an elevated price of INR 1.4 crore. Nair, who was a part of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Kolkata Knight Riders, Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) has a lot of knowledge of the atmosphere encompassing the tournament.
This season, Nair played three matches for RR, scoring 18 runs in five matches at a strike rate of 88.89. Although he has failed to deliver a breakthrough, Nair is a decent third option to fill the spot.
Written by Prachi Pisal
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