Rajasthan Royals have suffered a huge blow in IPL 2022 as the team’s star all-rounder Nathan Coulter-Nile has been ruled out of the competition because of an injury. The Australian all-rounder played for the Jaipur-based franchise in the first match but could not impress much.
Nathan Coulter-Nile bowled three overs, where he conceded 48 runs against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. He did not play against the Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore. Earlier today, RR confirmed that he will no longer be a part of their IPL 2022 team.
RR will need a replacement now, and here are the five players they could probably target for that role.
1. Shakib Al Hasan can replace Nathan Coulter-Nile
The best possible option available in the unsold lot is Shakib Al Hasan. The former Bangladesh captain could replace the Aussie player in the RR squad if he makes himself available for the full IPL season.
2. Moises Henriques
Moises Henriques seems a like-for-like replacement for Nathan Coulter-Nile. Like his Australian teammate, Henriques bowls right-arm pace and scores quick runs for the team in death overs.
3. Ben Cutting
Another Australian player to feature on the list is Ben Cutting, who has played for Rajasthan Royals in the past. Cutting has done well in the IPL in the past, which is why RR can consider him.
4. David Wiese could replace Nathan Coulter-Nile
Namibian all-rounder David Wiese was very impressive in the T20 World Cup and the PSL. It will be interesting to see if he becomes the first Namibian player to participate in IPL this year.
5. Dasun Shanaka
Dasun Shanaka is the T20I captain of Sri Lanka. He did an excellent job for his team in the bilateral series against India. Looking at his good performances in Indian conditions, Shanaka will be among the top contenders to replace Coulter-Nile.
