Picture Credit: Twitter
After the sixth edition of the Pakistan Super League suspended midway due to the COVID-19 outbreak in the bubble, the remainder of the tournament is finally set to take place in UAE next month. With all the franchises undergoing a lot of changes with the overseas players in the replacement drafts, all the squads are finally settled and the players are absolutely ready to get on the field and get the tournament rolling once again. While it is going to be an important season for many players, all eyes will be on few new additions in the tournament,t who will be the ones to watch out for in the remainder of PSL 2021.
1. Thisara Perera
The former Sri Lankan all-rounder has been signed by Karachi Kings as a replacement for Dan Christian. Thisara Perera is a veteran in the shortest format of the game, having played franchise cricket across the globe. The 32-year-old has played 84 T20Is and has 51 wickets to his name. He also has amassed 1204 runs batting down the order at a scintillating strike rate of 151.6. With so much experience behind his back and his unique ability to change the game with his all-round skills, Perera is going to be a very crucial player for the Kings in the second half of the season.
2. Usman Khawaja
The stylish left-handed batsman has been bagged by Islamabad United in place of Alex Hales. Usman Khawaja has finally got an opportunity to play in the PSL and he will definitely want to make a mark. The Aussie had a good season in BBL 10, where he amassed 338 runs in 15 innings for Sydney Thunder at a strike rate of 127.55. Khawaja provides solidity at top of the order for United and can anchor the innings to perfection. The fans would certainly be expecting a few big knocks from the talented cricketer.
3. Shimron Hetmyer
The explosive West Indies cricketer has joined Multan Sultans at the last moment after Mahmudullah pulled out of the tournament. Shimron Hetmyer is coming on the back of playing few matches in the IPL 2021, where he looked in decent touch. The left-handed batsman showed his class in the tournament and almost pulled off a remarkable win for Delhi Capitals against RCB with his unbeaten 53-run knock off 24 deliveries. He will certainly provide a different dimension to Sultans' middle-order and will be someone to watch out for in the remainder of the season.
4. Martin Guptill
The Kiwi opener has been roped in by Karachi Kings to replace Colin Ingram. Martin Guptill is one of the most explosive cricketers in world cricket and he is certainly going to bring a lot of entertainment to this season of PSL 2021. The right-handed batsman is one of the most experienced players in the shortest format of the game, having played 102 T20Is for New Zealand. He has mammoth 2939 runs to his name at a dazzling strike rate of 136.8. The fans can definitely expect some heroics from Guptill this season and the bowlers will need to be careful against him.
5. Andre Russell
Dre Russ - one of the most lethal all-rounders in T20 cricket - has been signed by Quetta Gladiators as a replacement for Tom Banton. The West Indies cricketer has been battling through injuries in the last couple of years but looked absolutely fit in this season of IPL. Russell contributed with both bat and ball, scoring 163 runs at a strike rate of 155.23, in addition to his 7 wickets. The addition of the Jamaican to PSL has certainly raised the stocks of the tournament and if the 33-year-old fires, there will be no stopping the Gladiators from going all the way this season.