Royal Challengers Bangalore have roped in New Zealand pacer Scott Kuggeleijn as a replacement for Kane Richardson for the remainder of IPL 2021.
Richardson had pulled out on Monday due to personal reasons as the Covid-19 situation in India continues to worsen.
Richardson and Zampa flew back to Australia via Doha on Tuesday after leaving the IPL bio-bubble and staying in Mumbai. Zampa didn’t get an opportunity to play for RCB this season while Richardson played one game against Rajasthan Royals where he returned with figures of 1/29 in his 4 overs.
Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald, Zampa expressed he felt a lot safer in the last IPL, which was held in UAE:
“We’ve been in a few (bubbles) now, and I feel like this is probably the most vulnerable. I just feel like because it’s India, we’re always being told about the hygiene over here and being extra careful. I just felt like it was the most vulnerable.
The IPL that was held in Dubai six months ago didn’t feel that way at all. I felt like that was extremely safe. Personally, I feel like that would have been a better option originally for this IPL, but obviously, there’s a lot of political stuff that goes into it.”
he stated.
Zampa also talked about the other factors contributing in his decision to leave the IPL midway.
“There were a few other things like bubble fatigue and the chance to get home, once all the news broke about the flights and everything. I thought this was the best time to make the call.”
he addded.
Another Australian, Andrew Tye, who was with Rajasthan Royals, also pulled out of the tournament due to the Covid-19 situation. His RR teammate, Liam Livingstone, left the IPL citing mental fatigue and flew back to the UK.
Ravichandran Ashwin was the first Indian player to pull out from IPL 2021. Ashwin took a break from the tournament to be with his family and support them in the fight against Covid-19.
Scott Kuggeleijn Joins RCB As Kane Richardson’s Replacement
With the Covid-19 situation in India at its worst, IPL franchises have been carrying extra reserve players. Kuggeleijn has been in India and a part of the biosecurity bubble as a net bowler for Mumbai Indians. He had previously been hired by Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2019 as a replacement player for Lungi Ngidi. The New Zealand pacer played two matches for CSK, picking up two wickets. Kuggeleijn has so far played 16 T20Is and 2 ODIs for New Zealand and has 18 International wickets to his name.
Kuggeleijn, who is known for his death overs bowling, his inclusion in the squad will give more balance to RCB’s bowling attack, which has been doing an outstanding job so far. Kyle Jamieson and Mohammed Siraj have been very impressive for them, while Harshal Patel has picked wickets for fun and currently holds the Purple Cap for the leading wicket-taker.
Royal Challengers Bangalore are currently in an incredible run of form with five victories in 6 games of IPL 2021. They beat Delhi Capitals on Tuesday night in a thrilling contest by one run to bag their 5th win. RCB are currently sitting at the top of the table with 10 points and a positive net run-rate of 0.089.
Virat Kohli-led RCB will next face Punjab Kings at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on April 30.
