As per reports in Stuff.co.nz, Kiwi wicketkeeper-batsman Tim Seifert has been roped in as Ali Khan’s replacement by Kolkata Knight Riders. Ali Khan became the first player from the USA to play in IPL 2020. However, he was carrying a side strain from his stint in the CPL. He was ruled out from the tournament in the first week of IPL but the franchise did not confirm the news. Khan will stay with the franchise despite being ruled from the tournament.
KKR, who is now being led by Eoin Morgan will face Sunrisers Hyderabad, in Abu Dhabi. Both teams are in desperate need of points after losing their previous two matches. KKR are just hanging by the thread at number four with 8 points from eight games. Another loss will see the side drop below to the second half of the table.
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Tim Seifert- KKR’s New Addition in IPL 2020
Meanwhile, this will be Seifert’s first stint in the IPL. He was a part of the Trinbago Knight Riders squad which became champions of CPL 2020. He scored 133 runs from 12 games for the side in their victorious campaign. Seifert was first seen in international cricket in the T20I series against India last year in New Zealand. Seifert has 1775 runs in 95 T20s. With KKR struggling in their batting department, Seifert who is an attacking batsman is a good option for the side. He is primarily an opener, but it will be interesting to see the role for the side as and when he plays.
Meanwhile, SRH are on six points and have lost two close matches in their last two games against CSK are RR. They will look to win the game to get into the top half of the points table and stay in contention for the playoffs spot. SRH lost to KKR in the first leg of the competition.
Also Read: Ali Khan Ruled Out of IPL 2020