The IIPL 2021 was being played amid the coronavirus crisis in India. From players pulling out to the league getting suspended, IPL 2021 was in news for several reasons. The tournament is all set to resume from September 19 in the United Arab Emirates.
A few big players missed the first phase of the league due to injuries or personal reasons. While some of them have confirmed their non-availability for the UAE leg, some will make a comeback in the tournament.
In this article, we will take a look at five players who missed the first phase of the IPL 2021 season but will play in the UAE leg of the tournament.
Josh Hazlewood
Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood missed the first phase of the Indian Premier League 2021 season. He cited bio-bubble fatigue as the reason behind pulling out of the tournament. The Chennai Super Kings roped in Jason Beherendoff in his absence. However, he did not get a single game in the first phase.
Recently, the Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Vishwanathan confirmed the availability of Josh Hazlewood for the remainder of IPL 2021. He said,
“Hazlewood has confirmed his availability for the second phase of IPL starting from September 19. The BCCI has confirmed that players who were not available in the first phase can join the respective teams in the second phase if they are fit and available. Considering Hazlewood’s form, he will be a great addition to our team.”
The Australian pacer was the leading wicket-taker for his team in the recently concluded T20 series against Bangladesh. He picked up 8 wickets in four matches at an average of 10.62.
Rinku Singh
The Kolkata Knight Riders batsman Rinku Singh sustained a knee injury. He missed the first phase of IPL 2021. All-rounder Gurkeerat Singh replaced him in the squad.
However, Rinku Singh has recovered from his injury and has started his training. He was recently spotted training with Abhishek Nayar, assistant coach of Kolkata Knight Riders.
Shreyas Iyer
The Delhi Capitals skipper Shreyas Iyer dislocated his shoulder during the ODI against England at Pune earlier this year. Thus, he missed the first phase of the IPL 2021 season. In his absence, Rishabh Pant led the Delhi Capitals team.
Shreyas Iyer underwent surgery in the United Kingdom and completed a rehabilitation programme at the National Cricket Academy. He passed the mandatory fitness test and is all set to play in the UAE leg of the IPL 2021.
The right-handed batsman has already reached UAE and has begun his preparations for the tournament ahead. Shreyas Iyer has played in 79 IPL matches, scoring 2200 runs at an average of 31, with 16 half-centuries to his name. His availability will be a huge boost for the Delhi Capitals franchise.
T Natarajan
T Natarajan sustained a knee injury during India’s tour of Australia, 2021. However, he played a few matches for the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the first phase of the Indian Premier League 2021 season. Eventually, Natarajan was ruled out as the injury aggravated.
T Natarajan had played in two matches, taking two wickets at an average of 34.50 before ruling himself out due to injury. The pacer underwent surgery and has recovered fully. He has resumed his training and will be available for the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the UAE leg of the IPL 2021.
“T Natarajan will be traveling with us to Dubai on August 31,” an SRH official had told Cricbuzz.
Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin started off the IPL 2021 season for the Delhi Capitals. However, he withdrew mid-way to be with his family in the fight against COVID-19.
Ashwin wrote on his Twitter, “I would be taking a break from this years IPL from tomorrow. My family and extended family are putting up a fight against #COVID19 and I want to support them during these tough times. I expect to return to play if things go in the right direction. Thank you @DelhiCapitals”
The off-spinner is all set to play in the second phase of the IPL 2021. He played in five matches and took one wicket before pulling out from the tournament.
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