One of the most unexpected things happened in the 2022 edition of the Indian Premier League when five-time champions Mumbai Indians decided to rope in uncapped South African wicket-keeper batter Tristan Stubbs as a replacement for experienced England fast bowler Tymal Mills.
Reports surfaced online that Mills had picked up an injury while playing for the Mumbai Indians in the 2022 edition of the Indian Premier League. However, the Mumbai Indians fast bowler declined those reports. Soon after though, it was made official that Mills has been ruled out of the competition owing to an injury.
Fans expected Mumbai Indians to sign a big name from the list of unsold players as a replacement for Tymal Mills. However, the Mumbai-based franchise opted for the services of Tristan Stubbs. Commenting on how he came to know about his signing, Stubbs said in an interview with host broadcasters today:
“I was very excited. I was at the golf course in Zimbabwe, and it was a crazy few hours once I found out. My old man actually asked me to call him because he knew before me. It’s awesome [being here]. It’s a wonderful tournament to be a part of and it’s awesome to be here and experience it.”
Tristan Stubbs received his maiden call-up to the South African team earlier today
It has been a great month for Tristan as he not only bagged his maiden Indian Premier League deal but also earned a call-up to the South African squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against the Indian cricket team.
It seems unlikely that Stubbs will get a chance to play in that series because he is a wicket-keeper batter, and there are some proven match-winners like Quinton de Kock and Heinrich Klaasen present in the squad. Stubbs will be keen to impress the selectors though with a good performance for Mumbai Indians.
