Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Rising Pune Super Giants (RPSG) have signed top order batsman Usman Khawaja, in order to bolster their batting line-up. The franchise also confirmed that influential South African international Faf du Plessis has returned to South Africa to receive treeatment for a finger injury. RPSG Coach Stephen Fleming said, “One of our mainstays Faf du Plessis has injured his finger during the course of the last match and has returned to South Africa for further treatment. We wish him speedy recovery.”
In six IPL matches, Faf scored 206 runs, including two pivotal half centuries. Khawaja comes in as an immediate replacement for Kevin Pietersen, who has been ruled out of the tournament, due to a calf injury.
Fleming added, “We are glad to have roped in Usman Khawaja in the team. His presence will definitely be an advantage to the team and could be pivotal in bolstering the position of the side in the tournament. His imperious form for the Sydney Thunders in the Big Bash League victory last season and being the leading run-scorer for Australia, for the recently-concluded World T20, has made us sit up and notice. His style of play is perfect for the T20 format.”
Earlier Fleming had confirmed that the coaching staff was looking into Khawaja as a potential signing. He said, “There is a shortlist we are working through so looking at availability and visas and the likes, but he (Khawaja) is certainly a guy we are interested in.”
RPSG are scheduled to face league leaders Gujarat Lions tomorrow. According to sources within the franchise, Khawaja could get a start on April 29 itself. Our source added,”We want him to be a part of the setup as quickly as possible, so it could be in tomorrow’s match or the next.”
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