Injuries are bound to happen in IPL. Especially now, with all that bio-bubble protocols coming in, the scope for an injury is higher. When that happens, IPL teams are offered to sign a replacement. On many occasions, we have seen this very player be the difference for the franchise that hires him. The prime example being the arrival of Chris Gayle instead of Dirk Nannes at RCB many seasons ago.
If a similar situation arises in IPL 2021, there are quite a few foreign batsmen available in the pool. All are good in their own way and can be match-winners on a particular day. In this article, we talk about five of them who can play in IPL 2021 as a replacement signing.
1. Martin Guptill
Not only what he has achieved so far, but if you look at his current form, too, the Kiwi opener would be a masterclass signing. He has not done well in IPL before, but it is also a matter of him not getting sufficient chances. If any team can stick with him at the top for a few games, the results are likely to materialize. He can smack any fast bowler to any part of the park, and although he can improve batting against spin, he possesses the power to dispatch the slower bowlers, too.
2. Alex Hales
The highest run-scorer in the recent Big Bash League, English opener Alex Hales is a batsman of the modern T20 generation. He knows only one way to play, and that is to go hard at the bowlers from ball one. He has been in good form and can be a surprising click at IPL if any franchise takes the punt. Although he is a threat against the pacers, as seen in recent tournaments, Hales is not bad against the spinners too.
3. Devon Conway
What a knock from Devon Conway. he remained not out on 99, hard luck to missed out on a well deserved ton. After an early collapse, he stayed at one end and made sure NZ reaches great total. He's really done well in the opportunities he got in T20is, absolute gun player for them. pic.twitter.com/VNU2TTOXXp
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 22, 2021
After his spectacular unbeaten 99 against Australia recently, Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin commented that Conway was four days late. However, the fact is that Conway has never been late. He has been in good form in the past few months, and as per many experts, it is the IPL franchises who did not spot him. Nevertheless, he still has a chance if a vacancy opens in any franchise. Although he relishes batting at the top, Conway can serve his team in the middle too. He is also a decent wicket-keeper, something that teams can also use.
4. Glenn Phillips
It's all over 😥
— Fox Cricket (@FoxCricket) March 7, 2021
Glenn Phillips calls game in style! #NZvAUS REPORT ✍️https://t.co/JSeGYwJpKG pic.twitter.com/jzI6sKPqeq
It is very hard to maintain consistency in the T20 format, especially when you are expected to play an attacking game. However, Kiwi keeper-batsman Glenn Phillips has shown that the unthinkable is possible. Inevitably, the 24-year-old provides cameos that prove to be extremely useful for his side. More so, he does that mostly playing in the middle-order, a position which is slightly difficult to bat in the T20 format. Hence, Glenn can actually be a decent signing for the teams.
5. Marnus Labuschagne
Yes, he might not be in the current Aussie team but based on how proficient he is with his technique, Marnus Labuschagne can be a real game-changer. He can play in the middle-order and has the skills to take the onus on him to anchor an inning or increasing the scoring rate. Marnus is also an asset with his bowling. In fact, in the recent BBL, Marnus’ leg-spin got him many wickets. Hence, we feel that if any injury happens, he can be a serious option for teams to consider.
