Champions League T20 2013: Rajasthan Royals' Brad Hodge to miss final due to knee injury

Brad Hodge will miss the CLT20 finals

Rajasthan Royals have received a major blow ahead of their CLT20 finals on Sunday. Royals’ coach Paddy Upton has revealed that batsman Brad Hodge will not be a part of the all-important clash.

Hodge injured his knee during the semifinal against Chennai Super Kings last evening in Jaipur when he collided with his fellow countryman and Royals’ star player Shane Watson.

Watson hit Hodge’s knee when both these players chased the ball in the final over of Chennai Super Kings’ chase. Later, Hodge went out of the field, assisted by Royals physio and Harmeet Singh.

The 38-year-old Victorian is a vital member of the Royals’ side as he did the job of a finisher to perfection. He has scored 109 runs in three innings with a strike rate of 198 so far. He was instrumental in knocking Otago Volts out of the tournament with his unbeaten 23-ball 53 .

As far his replacement is concerned, Royals can consider Ashok Menaria ahead of the only overseas player available on the Royals bench, Shaun Tait. Replacing Hodge with Tait can change the balance of the team, which Menaria’s inclusion could sustain.

Losing Hodge is a blow to Royals’ chances of winning their maiden Champions League title. It puts more pressure on all=rounder Shane Watson who is having an average tournament with the bat.