IPL12: Players who could replace Steve Smith at Rajasthan Royals
What's the story
Australian cricketer Steve Smith was handed a major blow last week. The star batsman could miss the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) after suffering an injury in Bangladesh Premier League. He is eyeing to script a comeback to the national team after serving his 12-month ban. Smith's elbow injury could force Rajasthan Royals to find his replacement. What are their options?
Surgery
Smith undergoes surgery, to wear brace for six weeks
Smith underwent surgery to repair a ligament in his right elbow, this week. He is expected to wear a brace for a period of six weeks. Further, there will be an extensive rehabilitation program once the brace is removed. He had played two matches in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2019, before he sustained an injury. Smith scored 16 and 0 for Comilla Victorians.
Hazratullah Zazai
20-year-old Afghan Hazratullah Zazai has potential
Afghanistan's Hazratullah Zazai is a promising middle order batsman and at just 20, he is someone who would be a sound future investment. The youngster has scored 852 runs in 24 T20 matches. He has already smashed a hundred and six fifties. Notably, he was ignored during the 2019 auction. His base price of Rs. 50 lakh could tempt Royals to go for him.
Brendon McCullum
Celebrated Kiwi veteran Brendon McCullum could add firepower
After being released by RCB, Brendon McCullum had set his base price at Rs. 2 crore, but the veteran star didn't attract any bid. In earlier editions, he was one of the top buys. Baz, who has played 363 T20 matches, has gone on to amass 9,825 runs in the format. He helped Trinbago Knight Riders defend the 2018 CPL.
Hashim Amla
Proteas man Hashim Amla is once gain scoring freely
South Africa's Hashim Amla had a terrific season in IPL 10. He amassed 420 runs for KXIP and had a strong influence atop. However, he was ignored in 2018 and 2019 auctions. He could be an ideal replacement of Smith. Last year, he wasn't in the best of form, but Amla got back to the groove in the recently concluded Test series against Pakistan.
Mushfiqur Rahim
Bangladesh senior player Mushfiqur Rahim can add solidity
Bangladesh senior wicket-keeper batsman Mushfiqur Rahim was surprisingly ignored in the IPL 2019 auction, last month. With a base price of Rs. 50 lakh, Mushfiqur could add solidity in the middle order. Royals would benefit by his match-winning skills and calm composure. Mushfiqur has scored over 3,000 T20 runs which includes 17 fifties. He is currently playing in the BPL 2019 season.
Reeza Hendricks
Reeza Hendricks has done all the right things
Reeza Hendricks of South Africa is another option. He is another one, like the above mentioned names, who will be available for the entire edition. Hendricks has played 101 T20s. He has scored a total of 2,808 runs. His average of 38.46 proves his attributes. Recently, he had scored two centuries for Jozi Stars in the Mzansi Super League.