Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have been dealt with a major blow with star all-rounder Washington Sundar ruled out of the remainder of IPL 2021. After being postponed on May 4, the second phase of IPL 2021 is slated to commence on September 19 in the UAE.
Incidentally, Washington Sundar suffered an injury while playing for Select County XI in a warm-up game against India leading to the five-match Test series between Virat Kohli & Co and England. However, the injury ruled him out of the entire tour and now Washington Sundar will also miss the remainder of IPL 2021, a release from RCB stated.
Big blow for RCB. Washington Sundar ruled out of second half of IPL 2021 due to a finger injury. I'm guessing that means Shahbaz Ahmed will get more game-time.
Bengal seamer Akash Deep, who was a net bowler for the team, will replace Washington in the squad. #IPL2021
— Saurabh Somani (@saurabh_42) August 30, 2021
“Royal Challengers Bangalore’s all-rounder Washington Sundar has been ruled out of the remainder of the Vivo IPL 2021 due to an impending finger injury,” the statement reads.
Bengal pacer Akash Deep named as Washington Sundar’s replacement
Meanwhile, RCB has named a young fast bowler from Bengal Akash Deep as Washington Sundar’s replacement. Akash Deep has been doing consistently well for Bengal in domestic cricket since the last two seasons and was also RCB’s net bowler earlier this season.
“Akash Deep, a state cricketer from Bengal and net bowler with the franchise has been named as replacement. The move reiterates the focus RCB has on grooming and nurturing young players as the team continues to develop exceptional talents and create a pathway for young talents to find their way into IPL and Indian Cricket,” the statement further added.
The 24-year-old fast bowler has represented Bengal in nine first-class games and 14 List A matches picking up 35 and 17 wickets respectively. Akash Deep was one of the chief architects during the 2019 Ranji campaign when Bengal reached the finals of the premier competition.
Royal Challengers Bangalore are currently third in the points table with 10 points under their belt from seven matches. The Virat Kohli-led side has looked consistent in the first half of the tournament and will hope to carry the momentum as they chase their dream of lifting their maiden IPL trophy.
They begin their campaign against Kolkata Knight Riders on September 20 in Abu Dhabi.