IPL 2017: Four Ideal Replacements of Mustafizur Rahman
Mar 31, 2017 at 2:27 PM
Just before the start of the tenth edition of Indian Premier League (IPL), Sunrisers Hyderabad suffered a major blow as Mustafizur Rahman, the star bowler of the franchise was stopped by Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to play in IPL, keeping in mind the Champions Trophy.
Not getting services of Rahman at least in initial phase weakens the bowling line-up of this team as in his debut IPL season, he bagged a total of 17 wickets in 16 games at an economy rate of 6.90.
The youngster has left big boots to be filled. It will be an onerous task for the Hyderabad-based franchise to find a suitable replacement for him but here are few of the options from which the IPL defending champions can choose from –
Ishant Sharma – The biggest name who went unsold in the IPL auction 2017 was the Indian pacer, Ishant Sharma. The main reason for him going unsold was the heavy price tag attached to his name as he kept himself in the highest bracket of players with base price of Rs. 2 Crore but now he might be a commodity to buy for Sunrisers Hyderabad as the team has big boots to fill and Ishant seems to to be the best man to replace Rahman, keeping in mind his experience and stature.
The tall and lanky pacer was in good form in the Test series. Though he does not have many wickets to show in his account but he troubled each and every batsman in the series. The Delhiite would like to continue the same form in IPL if given a chance.
Irfan Pathan – The other big name to go unsold in the auction was Irfan Pathan, the man who was once the best all-rounder in the country. There was no particular reason for Irfan going unsold in the action and even after one month, one is yet to figure out why Irfan went unsold.
It’s an opportunity for the franchise to sign Irfan as he will provide them with an extra option in batting line-up as well. Along with that, he can also perform the role of an opening bowler, the role which Mustafizur had. Surely, Pathan will be a smart replacement for Rahman in IPL.
Sean Abbott – The Australian pacer, who has other been part of Royal Challengers Bangalore in past is another ideal replacement for Rahman. Abbott, a new ball bowler has the ability to swing the ball and also attract some bounce from the pitch.
Along with that, he has numbers on his side as well as he was the highest wicket-taker in the Big Bash League 2016/17 as he grabbed 20 wickets in 10 games with best figures of 5/16. Sunrisers Hyderabad would like to add a wicket-taking bowler in their team and would have their one eye on him.
Andile Phehlukwayo – Young South African pacer Andile Phehlukwayo in another prospect to replace Mustafizur Rahman in the IPL. His age is his biggest strength as he still 21 years old and can put an extra effort, to come out with something out of the box.
If given an opportunity, then the youngster will look to bank the chance so as to make a name for him and to secure a future deal in the cash-rich tournament as well.
Phehlukwayo, in total, has played a total of 32 T20s in which he has scalped 21 wickets at an average of 29.00.