This year’s IPL has been most of the most talked seasons. After the tournament was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many thought the cash-rich league wouldn’t take place. But BCCI finally came to a decision to shift the tournament outside India into the Gulf.
All the teams geared up for this change to shift from India to UAE, BCCI planned all the necessary precautions and started preparing for the season in the new normal. But even in this uncertainty, we ended up having players back out from the tournament before it even started.
Players backing out meant franchises will now have to find their replacements, some players like Suresh Raina were the heart and soul of their franchise. As a result, replacing them will be a huge task ahead for the franchises losing out on players who brought so much to the game. Here we look at the players who have backed out of this year’s IPL due to various reasons.
Let’s take a look at the players who have pulled out IPL 2020:
Jason Roy – Delhi Capitals
The destructive opener from England backed out after he sustained an injury during practice. He was to take part in the T20 series vs Pakistan but with the injury he sustained, the Englishman had to back out from the IPL as well since he wasn’t going to recover in time.
So with Jason Roy out with an injury, the Delhi Capitals franchise named Daniel Sams as his replacement. While the English batsman has made a return to the England side, he is unlikely to come and play IPL in the UAE.
Suresh Raina – Chennai Super Kings
Chennai stalwart Suresh Raina’s news came in as a shock to everyone as the highest run-getter in the history of IPL backed out due to personal reasons. The apparent reason for Chinnathala to back out was because his family was viciously attacked in Pathankot which resulted in the death of his Uncle.
With several other family members also critical, Raina decided to head back home to be with his family. Though in the recent interview, Raina has hinted that he might decide to comeback midway.
Kane Richardson – Royal Challengers Bangalore
The Aussie pacer was bought for 4 crore rupees in the 2020 IPL auction and was largely expected to solve RCB’s death bowling woes. But with his wife giving birth to their first child, Kane Richardson decided to give this IPL a skip.
RCB named leg spinner Adam Zampa as the pacer’s replacement. It will be an advantage for Virat Kohli-led side with the UAE pitches assisting spinners.
Lasith Malinga – Mumbai Indians
The leading wicket-taker in the history of the IPL has backed out on the grounds of personal reasons. Mumbai Indians will feel the absence of Malinga in the 2020 season since he was instrumental in Mumbai winning the final vs CSK last year.
Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra recently admitted that IPL will lose some of the shine without the Sri Lankan pacer. So with Malinga not playing this year, Mumbai Indians named Aussie pacer James Pattinson as his replacement.
But with Nathan Coulter-Nile and Trent Boult already in the ranks, it will be difficult for Pattinson to break into the playing XI.
Harbhajan Singh – Chennai Super Kings
There was always an uncertainty looming around Harbhajan Singh’s participation in the IPL since he didn’t travel with the team. After Raina backed out, CSK were hit by another blow as Harbhajan confirmed on 4th September that he won’t be taking any part in this year’s IPL on the grounds of personal reasons.
With his departure, the list of players who pulled out of IPL 2020 only gets bigger. Meanwhile, Harbhajan took to Twitter to urge the fans to be in his side during these difficult times. He also wished luck to Chennai Super Kings for the upcoming IPL.
Harry Gurney
Left-arm pacer from England Harry Gurney pulled out of the IPL 2020 owing to an injury. This came as a massive nightmare to Kolkata Knight Riders who were looking at him to partner Pat Cummins with the new ball. However, he will undergo surgery and will miss the tournament.
Meanwhile, Kolkata have roped in 29-year-old fast bowler from America Ali Khan as his replacement. He comes into the side on the back of a terrific CPL with Trinbago Knight Riders. Ali becomes the first American cricketer to ply his trade in the IPL.