IPL 2019: One injury replacement player for every position 

The Indian Premier League is probably the most competitive T20 league in the world and the players give everything they have for the team. In such an environment, injuries are commonplace and the franchises need to be smart with their selection choices and have adequate backups. For teams who have lost key players and want to replace them, they can do so by selecting a player from the pool of unsold players.

Many stars in the IPL have come through to the big stage using this window and this has worked wonders for few teams while it has proved to be futile for others.

In this segment, let's take a look at the best options available as an injury replacement for every position.

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Opener- Brendon Mccullum

Brendon Mccullum is undoubtedly the best replacement option if we are looking for an opening batter. With plenty of IPL and T20 experience and an explosive approach to the game, his attacking nature usually pays off but the last couple of seasons in the IPL haven't been great for the retired Kiwi batsman.

Things change a lot in T20 cricket, though and he could still make an impact especially because he will be available for the entire season because he doesn't have to feature in the World Cup. Mccullum can give more than what you can ask from a replacement player and might just be the best move the side makes in case they are lacking a batsman.

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Batsman- Manoj Tiwary

Manoj Tiwary is clearly the standout pick from this lot because of his experience and current form. He has had an inconsistent IPL career but his recent performances for Bengal and franchises' mentality to go for experienced Indian players might trump other options who were available. Tiwary can bat anywhere from No.4 to No.7 and can masquerade as both specialist batsman or finisher though the former will be better and he is also an excellent fielder.

Someone who oozes experience and has groomed many young players in his long domestic career, he will be great to have especially as a replacement for any team. Though he expressed his disappointment at not being selected this year, he has high chances of getting back into the fray.

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Wicketkeeper- Luke Ronchi

Luke Ronchi surprisingly went unsold at the auction despite possessing loads of runs in T20, great experience and a free calendar. Like Mccullum, Ronchi is a retired Kiwi keeper-batsman who has been great to watch in the T20 format. He led the Islamabad United to the title in the Pakistan Super League almost on his own and will play for the Chittagong Vikings in the Bangladesh Premier League.

Perhaps his poor outing in the T10 League held before the auction impacted teams' mind but he can certainly make his IPL debut in case a team gets an overseas wicket keeper injured. Another possible replacement will be Indian keeper Naman Ojha.

All Rounder- Jimmy Neesham/Jason Holder

This is one of the most common positions where players get injured and teams search for replacements. There are many options in the list of unsold players who are all-rounders including top-price bracket Corey Anderson but two players who stand out are Jimmy Neesham and Jason Holder. Neesham made his comeback to the Kiwi limited overs setup with a bang.

He has had an illustrious T20 career and his hard-hitting batsman and a very clever bowler much like James Faulkner. His IPL career with the Delhi side wasn't a one to remember but he can make amends if he plays for any side this year. While Neesham is the more adventurous option, one can settle to be safe with dependable Jason Holder who can bat and is a decent bowler.

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Spin Bowler- Adam Zampa

Adam Zampa was excellent against India in the T20I series and has had a great time in IPL before including a stunning six-wicket haul in 2016 for the Rising Pune Super Giants. He surprisingly went unsold but can make a re-entry through the replacement system.

One of the better T20 leg spinners, Zampa is more about beating the batsman for pace or bowling with accuracy rather than turn and this will help him if the IPL is held in South Africa.

Another possible pick would be Big Bash regular Fawad Ahmed who has been phenomenal playing in the Big Bash League and possesses great stats.

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Fast Bowler- Dale Steyn

Dale Steyn has proved that he has still got a lot left in him when he made a stunning comeback to the national side. Whether he will make it to the World Cup squad competing with Morris, Ngidi and Rabada, Steyn can be counted upon as a replacement option.

Steyn's illustrious IPL record speaks volumes about how he manages to strike fear in batsmen and despite getting older, the fire hasn't died.

He displayed his skills against Australia in spells of excellent fast bowling and if given opportunities, the veteran can shine and will be licking his lips at the prospect of playing in the IPL again despite not being initially drafted in.