Indian Premier League is slowly getting prioritized by cricketers ahead of international assignments. In line with this, five South African cricketers will miss a part of the home series against Pakistan to take part in IPL.
Pakistan will tour South Africa for three ODI’s and four T20Is between April 2nd and April 16th. It is now said that the South African Cricket Board has allowed players to leave after the 2nd ODI (April 4th) to take part in IPL, which will be starting from April 9th.
Discussions are going on about organizing chartered flights for the South African cricketers to arrive in India. This way, they would be eligible for the first games of their respective franchises.
1. Quinton de Kock
Quinton de Kock was relieved from his captaincy a few weeks ago. In the new set up, QDK was to perform the role of a senior batsman and wicket-keeper. However, in one of the very first tournaments in the new role, the player has to miss a few games. This time around, IPL is the reason.
QDK has been a crucial part of Mumbai Indians’ back-to-back IPL wins. While he has ensured that there are no concerns behind the stumps, the former RCB player has provided great starts to his team as a batsman. He has complemented Rohit Sharma very well, and his performances have allowed the men playing below him to bat more freely.
2. Kagiso Rabada
Kagiso Rabada is South Africa’s frontline pacer across formats. Despite still being young, Rabada has taken over the responsibility as the leader of the bowling unit. The speedster will also miss a part of the series.
At Delhi Capitals, almost every bowling strategy revolves around the South African. Every season in IPL till now, Rabada has been one of the highest wicket-takers. Although he reached the finals last campaign, Rabada could not win an IPL medal. Nevertheless, there is still an opportunity, and he will back in India in time for the first encounter against Chennai Super Kings.
3. David Miller
David Miller was once a permanent feature in South Africa’s middle-order. However, now, Miller is struggling for form. Although the management is backing him, the defining performances are yet to come.
The left-hander now represents the Rajasthan Royals. Last season, due to Steve Smith in the XI, Miller did not get many chances. However, with the Aussie gone now, the big-hitter could earn a few games in IPL 2021.
4. Anrich Nortje
Anirch Nortje belongs to the latest breed of exciting South African cricketers. The pacer is real quick and also possesses good control with line and length. He is now a consistent part of the South African squad.
Although he came as a replacement signing last season, Nortje played most of the games for Delhi Capitals. Alongside Rabada, Nortje was brilliant and picked up many wickets. He will perform a similar role in IPL 2021.
5. Lungi Ngidi
Lungi Ngidi has been performing well for South Africa in recent times. After a great start to his career, Ngidi lost his track a bit. However, he is back to decent form now and looks set for a fruitful upcoming few months.
CSK is not overly dependent on Ngidi. However, on tracks that assist pace, they might have to make use of him. He is the only player in the squad who has experience of bowling express pace, and this can be needed to add variety to the attack.
