IPL 2018: 5 players who can replace Steve Smith and David Warner

The ball-tampering saga has finally come to an end with Steve Smith and David Warner handed a ban of 12 months each. Cameron Bancroft has also been handed a 9-month ban following his actions. Earlier today, Amitabh Choudhary, the acting secretary of the BCCI said that the duo will not feature in the Indian Premier League(IPL) this year after their on-field actions.

Both Warner and Smith were important players for their respective franchises. Smith's absence may well be a blessing in disguise for the Rajasthan Royals as they will be able to accommodate their four overseas players. On the other hand, the Sunrisers Hyderabad have been taken aback by this decision and Kane Williamson or Shikhar Dhawan may lead the side.

The replacements for both players are expected to be announced shortly. The franchises can select any player from the list of unsold players. On this note, let us have a look at five players who might replace the duo.

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#5 Joe Root

England's skipper Joe Root missed last year's IPL auction due to the birth of his child. However, thought Root was a part of this year's auction, the English skipper attracted no bids for himself. It came as a surprise to many when Root was unsold in the auction. He is often considered as a Test player albeit his T20 records show otherwise.

Root has featured in 25 T20Is in which he has scored 743 runs at an average of 39.10. His strike rate of 128.76 is decent for a player of his calibre and class. The right-handed batsman has the ability to rotate the strike in the middle overs of an innings. His ability against the spinner is another asset on the slow turning pitch of Hyderabad.

Root's captaincy exploits can be also brought to life in the IPL. The Rajasthan Royals have already announced their captain and might not be interested in Root but the Sunrisers Hyderabad are expected to target him.

#4 Hashim Amla

Amla had a staggering

Despite having a staggering IPL last year, the classical South African batsman missed out on an IPL contract. Amla is another player who is often viewed as a defensive player. In the previous edition of the tournament, he replaced an injured Shaun Marsh in the Kings XI Punjab side.

He amassed 460 runs in 10 matches at an average of 60 including two breathtaking centuries. He batted at a fair pace maintaining a strike rate of 145. The Protean batsman has a wonderful conversion rate in terms of strike rate. The Rajasthan Royals may look towards the stylish batsman as their backup opener.

The Sunrisers Hyderabad may look towards him as well in the absence of their star opener Warner. Amla may be a perfect choice alongside aggressive southpaw Shikhar Dhawan.

#3 Lendl Simmons

Remember the 2016 T20 WC Semi Final?

Lendl Simmons is one of the most underrated cricketers to have ever played the game. Despite his full efforts, Simmons has failed to make an impact on the cricketing world. He has featured in four IPL seasons but recognition seems to be a far-sighted dream for the Carribean player.

Simmons has scored 1079 runs in the IPL at an average of 39.96. He has a strike rate of 126.64 to show with his average. He played an integral role in Mumbai's title triumph in 2015 as he amassed runs at an average of 45. He often performs exceptionally when he comes as a replacement.

Both the franchises would be interested to keep Simmons as their back up opener.

#2 Alex Hales

Alex Hales has never featured in the IPL

England's limited overs opener Alex Hales has never featured in the IPL. Hales was unsold in the auction earlier this year. Lack of consistency is the main reason for his absence from the IPL. He is famous for a few scintillating innings and his most famous one came against Sri Lanka in the T20 World Cup.

Hales has scored 1456 T20I runs at an average of 31.65. He can strike the ball with power. He has a strike rate of 136.32 and on his day, Hales can destroy any opposition which comes in his line. His highest score of 116* came against Sri Lanka where he single-handedly won the game for England.

An aggressive opener like Hales is just what the Sunrisers Hyderabad need. It is unlikely that the Rajasthan Royals will look to procure the opener.

#1 Martin Guptill

Guptill is one of the best T20 players in the world

Martin Guptill is one of the best T20 players to have graced the sport. The Kiwi is famous for bashing the bowlers around the park. He missed out on an IPL contract as he attracted no bidders. His IPL record is disappointing for a player of his quality as he averages only 22 in the IPL.

The aggressive opener will be looking to better his records if he gets a chance in this IPL. He has featured in 199 T20s amassing 5798 runs at an average of 33.13. Guptill has played for the Mumbai Indians and the Kings XI Punjab in the past.

Both RR and SRH might target the opening batsman.