Adam Zampa has replaced Kane Richardson in the Royal Challengers Bangalore squad for the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the franchise announced on Monday. The Australia fast-bowler has pulled out of the 2020 edition of the IPL as he is expecting the birth of his first child.
Adam Zampa’s addition has further boosted Royal Challengers’ spin arsenal, with the Bengaluru-based franchise already having the likes of Yuzvendra Chahal, Washington Sundar, Moeen Ali and Pawan Negi in the ranks. In the spin-friendly conditions of UAE, the Australia leg-spinner can definitely play a big part for the Royal Challengers.
“We are disappointed to not have Kane’s skills with us this IPL as he’s certainly on top of his game,” said RCB’s director of cricket Mike Hesson. “However, once we found out Kane and Nyki’s baby was due during the IPL, it’s an exciting time and we were fully supportive of Kane wanting to be at the birth of their first child.
“When looking at our squad for UAE conditions we felt it was an opportunity to bring in another quality legspinner in Adam Zampa to provide cover for Chahal and also give us extra options if conditions suit spin as expected during the tournament,” he added.
In the last players’ auction, RCB had spent INR 4 crore to secure Richardson’s services after the pacer entered the auction at a base price of INR 1.5 crore. At present, both Richardson and Adam Zampa are currently in the UK as part of Australia’s 21-member limited-overs squad for the three T20Is and ODIS against England.
Adam Zampa is not new to playing in IPL. He had previously represented the Rising Pune Supergiants, featuring in 11 matches for them and picking up 19 wickets at an average of 14.73 and an economy of 7.54.