Washington Sundar is one of the top spin-bowling all-rounders in the world right now. However, he could miss IPL 2021’s Phase 2. The reason being his finger injury. Sundar injured his finger while playing for County Select XI in a practice match against India.
The Royal Challengers Bangalore used him as a bowling all-rounder in the last few seasons. Washington Sundar bowled in the powerplay overs and batted as per the team’s demands. Sometimes, he batted in the top-order, while he even played in some innings as a finisher. Now that he is reportedly out of IPL 2021, RCB will need a replacement for the Tamil Nadu-based all-rounder. Here are the five possible options.
1. Former RCB player Parvez Rasool can replace Washington Sundar
Jammu and Kashmir-based all-rounder Parvez Rasool can be a decent option to replace Washington Sundar in the RCB squad. He has played for three IPL teams. He started with the Pune Warriors. Later, Rasool joined the RCB and SRH franchise.
Rasool has played one ODI and one T20I for the Indian cricket team as well. He is an off-spinner like Sundar. Also, Rasool has the ability to bat. It will be interesting to see if he gets another contract from RCB.
2. Ankit Sharma
Ankit Sharma is a spin-bowling all-rounder from Madhya Pradesh. He has played four franchises in the past. In the IPL, Ankit has been part of the Deccan Chargers, the Rising Pune Supergiant, the Rajasthan Royals and the Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Sharma is a left-arm spinner who bats left-handed. He had done well for Pune in the IPL. However, none of the teams showed interest in his services at IPL 2021 Auction. Perhaps, RCB can now sign him as a replacement.
3. Sandeep Lamichhane
Now, many fans will wonder how RCB can sign a foreign player as a replacement for Indian player. However, in RCB’s case, it is possible. Adam Zampa had pulled out of IPL 2021, and his participation is Phase 2 is not confirmed.
So, the Bangalore-based franchise have one foreign slot open in their squad. RCB can utilize that spot and rope Sandeep Lamichhane in their squad as Washington Sundar’s replacement. Lamichhane has played for Delhi in the IPL before.
4. Wanindu Hasaranga can be an excellent option to replace Washington Sundar
Recently, the Indian cricket team visited Sri Lanka for six white-ball matches. The Sri Lankan team could not impress much. However, Wanindu Hasaranga did a fine job as a leg-spin bowling all-rounder. He can be an asset for any team in the Indian Premier League.
The Bangalore-based franchise need an all-rounder. So, they can probably go for Wanindu Hasaranga. He can partner with Yuzvendra Chahal and make the life of the opposition batsmen difficult with their leg-spin combination.
5. Karthik Meiyappan
The wildcard pick to replace Washington Sundar in the Royal Challengers Bangalore squad is Karthik Palaniapan Meiyappan. Not many fans might know about him but Meiyappan was born in Chennai and plays international cricket for the United Arab Emirates. Meiyappan has grown up playing cricket in the Gulf country.
Since IPL 2021’s second phase will happen in the United Arab Emirates, having a local player in the squad could help any franchise. Karthik is a leg-spin bowler who bats right-handed. If the Royal Challengers think out of the box, they could probably target Meiyappan as a replacement for Sundar.
