IPL 2018: Star replacement signings whose debuts are much anticipated

Many players have pulled out of the past editions of Indian Premier League due to injuries and this season is no different. It is very difficult for a franchise to sign a replacement for an injured star since they have to change their strategies completely.

Several star players have withdrawn citing injuries, however, the franchises have come up with ideal replacements for almost all of those players. Let us now look at the star replacement signings who are yet to play a game this season.

Ish Sodhi (Rajasthan Royals)

The Kiwi star is currently one of the top-ranked T20 bowlers in the world. The leg-spinner came into the limelight with his brilliant spell of 3/18 against India in the 2016 T20 World Cup at Nagpur. Sodhi, who has never played in the IPL has represented New Zealand in 26 T20I matches and has 36 wickets at an economy of 7.43. Sodhi played for the Big Bash League side Adelaide Strikers in the 2016-17 season.

Surprisingly, he found no buyers during the IPL 2018 auctions with a base price of Rs.50 lakhs. But fortunes changes soon for Sodhi, as he was signed as a replacement by Rajasthan Royals for the injured Afghan bowler, Zahir Khan. But the fact that he is yet to make his debut is surprising.

With domestic-players like Shreyas Gopal and Krishnappa Gowtham doing well in the spin department, it will be difficult for an overseas player like Sodhi to get into the eleven. But one might expect him to make his debut very soon, given his reputation in the T20 format in recent years.

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Published 22 Apr 2018, 14:17 IST