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Ahead of second phase of IPL 2021, there have been lots of changes in the squads of various franchises with many players pulling out of the tournament due to various reasons. The team management of all sides have had their task cut out in last few days and they have made timely announcements of replacements in their squad. However, there was a bit of surprise when the official list of replacements was released on the official website of IPL.
Going into the UAE leg, Mumbai Indians were one of the teams who looked like going with the same squad. However, it has now been revealed that the 5-time IPL champions will have one change in their squad which featured in first half of season in India.
As stated on the official website of IPL, "Mumbai Indians have named Gujarat’s left-arm medium pacer Roosh Kalaria to their squad in place of Mohsin Khan. Kalaria has thus far played 54 First-Class matches, 46 List A games and 31 T20s picking a total of 271 wickets."
Like-to-like replacement for Mumbai Indians
It must be noted that MI have made a like-to-like replacement with Roosh Kalaria replacing left-arm pacer Mohsin Khan, who was bought by the franchise in IPL 2020 auction for INR 20 lakhs. Although Mohsin has travelled with the team to UAE, he must have suffered an injury during the training session which could have been the reason behind his exclusion.
Talking about the replacement player, Roosh Kalaria is an exciting domestic star that Mumbai Indians have roped in. Known for his left-arm pace bowling, the 28-year-old is also a handy batsman lower down the order. In the 31 T20 matches he has played for Gujarat in domestic circuit, Kalaria has made 73 runs at strike-rate of 119.67, having scalped 37 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 6.53.
Kalaria was part of India's U-19 squad in 2012 World Cup
Roosh Kalaria was also part of India's under-19 squad during the 2012 World Cup, where the Men in Blue lifted the title in Australia. He has been knocking the doors of various franchises in last couple of seasons, especially after finishing as the leading wicket-taker for Gujarat in 2018-19 Ranji Trophy season.
There is no doubt that it would be a dream come true for the 28-year-old if he gets a chance in playing XI for MI in second phase of IPL 2021.