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5 wicket-keepers RCB can sign in IPL Auction 2021 after Parthiv Patel’s retirement

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Photo Source: Twitter

Former Indian wicket-keeper batsman Parthiv Patel decided to end his cricket career on December 10. The southpaw represented multiple franchises in his IPL career, and he was a part of the Royal Challengers Bangalore squad in his last season. Unfortunately, RCB did not give Parthiv a single game in IPL 2020.

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Still, Patel was an integral part of the squad. Now, the Royal Challengers Bangalore have two overseas wicket-keeper batsmen in their team, namely Josh Philippe and AB de Villiers. If de Villiers does not wish to keep in IPL 2021, the RCB squad should have an Indian option also available.

Here are the five players RCB could sign as Parthiv Patel’s replacement in the IPL Auction 2021.

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1. Naman Ojha 

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Naman Ojha
Photo: Naman Ojha/Twitter

Madhya Pradesh’s wicket-keeper batsman Naman Ojha is the number one contender to take Parthiv Patel’s spot in the Royal Challengers Bangalore squad. The right-handed batsman has represented three IPL franchises in his career, namely the Sunrisers Hyderabad, the Rajasthan Royals, and the Delhi Capitals.

Ojha has played 113 IPL games and aggregating 1,554 runs at a batting average of 20.72. His highest score of 94* shows that Naman can play big knocks. Thus, RCB should consider him as an option.

2. Kusal Perera

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The Royal Challengers Bangalore found a reliable opening option in Devdutt Padikkal this year. They could form a destructive left-handed opening duo if they sign Kusal Perera in the auction. The southpaw from Sri Lanka enjoys batting in the powerplay overs.

Perera has proved himself as a match-winner for Sri Lanka at the international level. Also, he is doing an excellent job for the Kandy Tuskers in the ongoing Lanka Premier League. Thus, Kusal Perera could be a great addition to RCB’s squad.

3. Heinrich Klaasen

South Africa’s 29-year-old wicket-keeper batsman Heinrich Klaasen has performed excellently for the South African team in white-ball cricket. He played seven matches for the Rajasthan Royals and the Royal Challengers Bangalore in his IPL career.

Unfortunately, none of the two franchises gave him enough opportunities to showcase his talent. Klaasen could solve RCB’s middle-order woes with his exploits in the slog overs.

4. Shai Hope

West Indies’ wicket-keeper batsman Shai Hope is a reliable top-order player who can do well in all formats. Speaking of his T20 numbers, the right-handed batsman has scored 238 runs in 11 T20I innings.

Hope could be a back-up option for the RCB team if AB de Villiers or Joshua Philippe is unavailable to keep the wickets. In case RCB back him, he could be a great anchor for them in the middle overs.

5. KS Bharat 

While many pundits back him to play for the Indian cricket team soon, KS Bharat has not received a bid in the IPL Auctions. The right-handed batsman was playing in the Andhra T20 competition recently.

He can emerge as a match-winner in T20 cricket if given enough chances and support. RCB could sign Bharat and groom him to be a top candidate for the Indian wicket-keeper’s role. For the record, KS Bharat has aggregated 615 runs in 39 T20 innings, with his highest score being 76.