RCB sign Wanindu Hasaranga ahead of IPL 2021 phase 2

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With less than a month to go for the resumption of the fourteenth edition of the Indian Premier League, the franchises have started their last minute-preparations for the competition. With several cricketers reluctant to travel either due to other commitments or personal reasons, the teams have already started to look at replacement options. And the latest news is that Royal Challengers Bangalore have locked one such replacement for the second leg of IPL 2021 and the player they have included is none other than the Sri Lankan all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga.

The 24-years-old joins the Virat Kohli-led franchise as a replacement for Adam Zampa who will be unavailable. Notably, while Zampa did join the contingent as per the original schedule of IPL, he left midway citing personal reasons and continues to be unavailable for the second half.

"We’re thrilled to welcome Sri Lankan all-rounder Wanidu Hasaranga to the RCB Family for the second leg of #IPL 2021 in UAE. He replaces Adam Zampa who is unavailable," RCB's official Twitter handle posted on the micro-blogging site.

 

"Hasaranga was the Player of the Series in the recently concluded #SLvIND T20I series taking 7 wickets in 3 matches at an economy rate of 5.58," the franchise said in another tweet.

Dushmantha Chameera replaces Daniel Sams, Tim David comes in place of Finn Allen

It is further being learned that Dushmantha Chameera and Tim David are the other replacement players. While the Sri Lankan pacer Chameera has replaced Daniel Sams, Australia's Tim David comes in place of Finn Allen.

Moreover, Bangalore head coach Simon Katich has also stepped down as the head coach of the team, citing personal reasons. Consequently, Mike Hesson, the Director of Cricket Operations at RCB, will step in for the coaching duties for the remainder of the season.

IPL 2021 is set to resume in the UAE on September 19 with a blockbuster of a clash between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians. Royal Challengers Bangalore will play their first match of the second half of the season on September 20 against the Kolkata Knight Riders at Abu Dhabi. Bangalore had a great beginning to the season with five wins from seven matches in the first half, they would hope that they can continue the momentum moving forward and finally end their search for a maiden IPL title.