Former Indian batsman Aakash Chopra has handpicked names of few cricketers all round the world who can be signed as replacements for the UAE leg of IPL 2021. The second half will be played from September 19 to October 15 which will include 31 matches across 27 days. A few big names have already opted out the second half due to various reasons.
Speaking about the replacements in his recent Youtube video Aakash Chopra first spoke about fast bowlers. KKR and PBKS are among the teams in need of a quality overseas pacer after Pat Cummins, Riley Meredith and Jhye Richardson have made themselves unavailable for the second half. Jofra Archer from the Royals will also be a big miss for the side.
“Merchant de Lange – if anyone needs a fast bowler. Sheldon Cottrell – he was sold quite expensive one year and was with Punjab as well. They let him go and no one else picked him. He will come after playing the CPL, so he will have match form as well” said Chopra.
Aakash Chopra Picks Out Worthy Replacements For UAE Leg
Among a few other names suggested by Aakash Chopra are names like Oshane Thomas, Billy Stanlake Fidel Edwards and Mitchell McClenaghan.
Coming down to the all-rounders, Aakash Chopra chose names like Isuru Udana and Thusara Perera. Both the Sri Lankan all-rounders have retired from international cricket at an early age and shocked the world.
#Exclusive🚨 | Rajasthan Royals🇮🇳🏏might pick Thisara Perera 🇱🇰 for IPL 2021.
TP has already got signed up by same Franchise in Caribbean Premier League 2021.
Hope Thisara will perform well in CPL 2021 &Push his chances to play in IPL 2021 -All the Best TP!#IPL2021 pic.twitter.com/DUupVCQi5T— Rumaiz🖇️ (@hui_huii_) August 22, 2021
“Thisara Perera, he has had amazing T20 numbers of late. RCB can look at him as an option for a big-hitter after Maxwell. Maybe Isuru Udana, he used to be there with RCB” Chopra pointed out.
Some players who maybe picked as replacement players: Alex Hales, Evin Lewis, Devon Conway, Tymal Mills, Naveen ul Haq, Matthew Wade, Josh Inglis, Reece Topley. Do you agree?
— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) August 22, 2021
Among the batsmen who can be big targets, Chopra pointed out the name of Kiwi opener Devon Conway. With the Royals losing the likes of Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes, Conway can be a good addition believes Chopra. The franchise has already roped in Glenn Phillips as Buttler’s cover. He also suggested the name of Protean middle-order batsman Rassie Van Der Dussen.
“Devon Conway, his T20 numbers are outstanding. You have taken Glenn Phillips for Jos Buttler, but if you are looking for an opener, why not Devon Conway. Rassie Van Der Dussen, another middle-order striker of the ball.”
Also Read: IPL 2021: Players Who Have Pulled Out Of UAE Leg
