In a disappointing development for the Rajasthan Royals ahead of their Qualifier 2 match, the team’s star Kiwi all-rounder Daryl Mitchell has left the squad to represent New Zealand on their tour of England. The New Zealand cricket team is currently in the United Kingdom, warming up for their upcoming ICC World Test Championship series against Ben Stokes’ men.
The Blackcaps have played a practice match against Sussex. Their next practice match is against the County Select XI, starting on May 26. Daryl Mitchell will likely be available for that game as he has left the Rajasthan Royals to play the longest format of the game for his nation.
A three-match ICC World Test Championship series will follow the practice match between the County Select XI and the New Zealand cricket team. Since Mitchell is a pace-bowling all-rounder, he will be an important player for the Blackcaps in pace-friendly conditions.
Daryl Mitchell has been an exceptional part of the group: Kumar Sangakkara
Once a Royal, always a Royal. Thank you for everything, Daz. 💗#RoyalsFamily | #दिलसेरॉयल | @dazmitchell47 pic.twitter.com/C49Z8skPXu
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) May 25, 2022
Thanking the New Zealand cricket team all-rounder for his availability for the past two months and his contributions to the Rajasthan Royals team, the franchise’s Director of Cricket Operations Kumar Sangakkara said in a video released on social media:
“Guys, Daryl has been with us right from the start. He’s been an exceptional part of the group. He’s done a huge amount for us in terms of energy, being the character that he is, helping out, supporting, playing, fielding, and getting to know each of us. Very thankful, grateful to join us.”
Fans should note that Mitchell was quite impressive for the New Zealand cricket team in the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 last year, but he could not continue that form in the IPL. Playing his debut season, Mitchell failed to touch the 20-run mark in the two innings he played, while his strike rate was less than 100.
