Batting genius, AB de Villiers, announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. This news though inevitable came as a surprise as everybody thought ABD still has in him to compete for at least 2 more seasons. ABD’s departure leaves a huge vacuum, especially in RCB. Here are 5 Players Who Might Replace ABD At RCB In IPL 2022.
He was the only batsman to score more than 5000 runs averaging at 40+ and striking at 150+. His shoes aren’t easy to fill. RCB might have already started coming up with names who could replace this legend.
We look at 5 Players Who Might Replace ABD At RCB In IPL 2022
#5 Shimron Hetmyer
Shimron Hetmyer has already shown plenty of promise, not just in the IPL but in the world stage itself. Hetmyer made his IPL debut ironically with RCB but he was later released post an average year.
He has since then gone to showcase his prowess for DC playing the finishers’ role to T. DC won’t be able to retain his services next year as they have many other talents in their ranks. Hetmyer will be at home at RCB who have a penchant to encourage explosive talent.
#4 Liam Livingstone
Liam Livingstone was touted to be the next big thing in world cricket. He had a fantastic white-ball summer for England. A lot of the experts expected him to replicate the form in IPL. But he couldn’t deliver on that count. He regained some form in the World Cup but is yet to hit top gear. Livingstone is a multi-faceted cricketer who can be crucial to RCB’s plans in the near future.
#3 Jonny Bairstow
Jonny Bairstow is one of the cleanest strikers of the cricket ball. He has been SRH’s standout batsmen right since he made his IPL debut in 2019. Bairstow averages 40+ and strikes at more than 142 in the IPL. SRH will retain Rashid Khan and they are sure to let go of Bairstow. He will be hot property in the auctions. Bairstow will love playing at the Chinnaswamy.
#2 Rassie van der Dussen
Rassie van der Dussen is arguably South Africa’s most important batsman. He beautifully carried the batting on his shoulders. RVD as he is popularly called was Rajasthan Royals’ standby player last season. But owing to the player retention rule, it will be difficult for RR to retain him.
He will be on the watchlist of many franchises. RVD seems to be a natural successor to the genius, AB de Villiers. Don’t be surprised if he sets the auction and the IPL on fire.
#1 Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar Yadav along is the only Indian batter apart from Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul who play shots 360-degrees. He has beautifully evolved into an all format player who could play at any position. Surya not only controls the game batting at number 3 but also has the ability to finish games. This aspect made ABD so special. Surya has all the qualities to don that role for RCB considering MI won’t be retaining him.
Also read: 5 Players Who Might Earn Big In IPL 2022 Thanks To T20 WC 2021
