Pat Cummins is one of the top pacers in the world right now. However, he might be unavailable for IPL 2021’s second phase. According to a report in Sydney Morning Herald, Cummins may skip the season to stay with his pregnant wife. Thus, KKR will possibly look for replacements. It will tough to get a player who performs like Cummins.
In IPL 2021’s first half, Pat played seven matches for KKR. He scored 93 runs with the bat. The right-arm pacer took nine wickets for his team. But as mentioned ahead, he may be unavailable for the second half. So, here are five possible replacements for Pat Cummins.
1. Sheldon Cottrell could be one of the best replacements for Pat Cummins
Sheldon Cottrell is a Caribbean pacer. Unlike Cummins, he bowls left-arm pace. Last year, he played for the Punjab Kings. However, his performance did not match the expectations. As a result, Punjab released him.
Surprisingly, he went unsold in IPL Auction 2021. Hence, he is available to be signed as a replacement. Cottrell has a decent T20 record. He has 135 wickets in 104 T20s. KKR could target him as a replacement.
2. Isuru Udana
Another left-arm pace-bowling option on this list is Isuru Udana. He is a Sri Lankan all-rounder. Udana can bowl well in the death overs. Last year, he was with RCB. Surprisingly, RCB released him despite his decent performance.
Udana could perhaps make a return to the IPL in 2021. Like Cottrell, he went unsold in IPL Auction 2021. Udana would have an idea of the conditions in the UAE. So, KKR might go for him. He could be a wicket-taker for the team.
3. Ali Khan
Ali Khan was a part of KKR last year. He came in as a replacement. Unfortunately, he got injured before making his debut. KKR then signed Tim Seifert. Maybe KKR could give Khan another chance.
The American player has got the talent. He did well in CPL 2020. The 30-year-old has played in many T20 leagues. He has 38 wickets to his name in 36 T20s. KKR might try to bring him back.
4. Mitchell McClenaghan could be one of the best replacements for Pat Cummins
Mitchell McClenaghan is a match-winner. He knows the art of taking wickets. Although he has been a bit expensive, McClenaghan has done the job for the team on multiple occasions. MI did not sign him this year. Surprisingly, other teams also ignore him.
KKR could go for him as a replacement for Pat Cummins. He has the experience of playing in the IPL. He knows how to deliver under pressure. Also, he is a left-arm pacer. So, he will provide variety to KKR pace attack if given an opportunity.
5. Billy Stanlake
Billy Stanlake is a former SRH player. He has also been a part of RCB. Stanlake is an Australian right-arm pacer like Cummins. He has represented Australia in ODIs and T20Is. The right-arm fast bowler can trouble the batters with his pace and bounce.
Stanlake has played 76 T20 matches in his career. He has taken 81 wickets, with his economy rate being close to 8. His best figures of 4/8 show that he can turn the game with his wicket-taking abilities. KKR may consider him because he can be a game-changer. The combination of Stanlake and Lockie Ferguson could blow away other teams in the second half of IPL 2021.
