IPL 2021 was a unique edition of the Indian Premier League. For the first time in the tournament’s history, the matches had to be stopped in between due to the COVID-19 outbreak in the bio-bubble. Afterwards, the tournament resumed in September, just before the T20 World Cup.
Due to the break and COVID-19 pandemic, there were many players, who withdrew from the tournament. Since so many changes happened in the same season, not all fans would remember that the following five players were also associated with teams in IPL 2021.
1. Aniruddha Joshi replaced Shreyas Iyer in IPL 2021
Delhi Capitals captain Shreyas Iyer suffered an unfortunate shoulder injury just before the IPL. He was ruled out, and then DC roped in Aniruddha Joshi as his replacement, much to everyone’s surprise.
2. Chris Woakes played in IPL 2021
Chris Woakes has not received too many T20 opportunities in the recent past. He was with Punjab Kings in 2024 and did not get a game. In 2021, Woakes turned up for the Delhi Capitals team.
3. Oshane Thomas
West Indies fast bowler Oshane Thomas joined the Rajasthan Royals as a replacement signing. The right-arm quick replaced Ben Stokes in the RR squad because the latter injured his finger.
4. Scott Kuggeleijn
New Zealand fast bowler Scott Kuggeleijn received a contract from the Royal Challengers Bengaluru team after Kane Richardson withdrew from the tournament on April 26. Kuggeleijn was a net bowler for Mumbai Indians before that.
5. Simarjeet Singh
Uncapped Indian fast bowler Simarjeet Singh has been a member of the Chenai Super Kings squad for three years now. Before that, in 2021, Singh joined the Mumbai Indians as a replacement for Arjun Tendulkar, who suffered an injury.
