Australian batsman George Bailey has joined the Rising Pune Supergiants squad for the rest of the IPL 2016 season, as a replacement for Faf du Plessis, who is out with a finger injury. Bailey’s addition will be priceless reinforcement for the struggling RPS side, who have lost the services of four overseas players since the start of the tournament.
Apart from Du Plessis, RPS are also without Steven Smith, Kevin Pietersen and Mitchell Marsh. Bailey joins countryman Usman Khawaja as reinforcement in the Pune dressing room. One or two more big name signings are expected to be announced by the franchise soon. Khawaja is scheduled to leave for India on Tuesday.
It is possible, but improbable, that both Khawaja and Bailey will be at captain Dhoni’s disposal for Tuesday’s match against Delhi Daredevils, but it is assured that the duo will be available for Saturday's match against Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Bailey did not have any takers in the February auctions despite his name having come up twice. His base price had been listed at Rs. 1 crore.
Bailey has represented Chennai Super Kings and Kings XI Punjab before this. He has captained KXIP for the most number of matches, the franchise which released him at the end of last season.
One big reason which worked in Bailey’s favour in getting the call-up is that he is also a senior player and a former captain, at the international level as well as in the IPL. With Australia and South Africa captains Steven Smith and Faf du Plessis having departed RPS, it was thought that a batsman was required who could also play the senior’s role.
Bailey also has past experience of working with RPS captain MS Dhoni and coach Stephen Fleming, having been part of the CSK sides in the initial years of the IPL.
It remains to be seen who the other superstars are who will be drafted into the RPS side, but the consensus among fans seem to be that they desperately need a quality fast bowler.
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