IPL 2021 has done away with the concept of home and away. All teams have to play in neutral venues. This has been done to ensure bio-bubble security is maintained. Teams will be playing games across 6 venues. Two venues will host games for two weeks on the trot. This has negated the curated strength of the squad to a certain extent.
The Bio-Bubble woes:
To make matters worse many players have cited apprehensions about playing in the IPL. But life in a bio-bubble is pretty tough. Players are confined to stadiums and hotels. There is restricted freedom and movement. These factors have contributed to players feeling bubble fatigue. Teams are constantly worried about their players’ health and well-being.
Few star players have quit IPL 2021:
The second week of IPL 2021 started on the wrong note. Liam Livingstone was the first player to quit the IPL citing bubble fatigue. He was part of the Rajasthan Royals’ squad. Livingstone hadn’t featured in any of the games and his decision didn’t sound any warning bell. But post his exit, fellow Royals player, Andrew Tye announced his decision to quit IPL 2021 and move to Australia. Royals have just 4 overseas players now.
The Australian duo of Kane Richardson and Adam Zampa have made up their minds to quit IPL this season. Their absence has stung RCB. The overseas bench strength was looking weak.
Scott Kuggeleijn named Kane Richardson’s replacement:
In an announcement that comes as a pleasant surprise, RCB have announced Kane Richardson’s replacement. He is none other than New Zealand pacer, Scott Kuggeleijn. The Kiwi pace tearaway was part of CSK in IPL 2019. He was Mumbai Indians’ reserve bowler for IPL 2021. But now he will be plying his trade for RCB this season. A player walking in at this point of time comes as welcome news. This move might just assure fellow players.
Kuggeleijn’s credentials:
He has played 16 T20I matches and has picked 13 wickets. Kuggeleijn is a bit expensive as he concedes runs at 9.07 runs per over. But he is a committed 100% player. He will be part of RCB’s squad when they get ready to meet Punjab Kings on April 30 in Ahmedabad.
