Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have suffered an unfortunate injury blow ahead of IPL 2023 as their English recruit Will Jacks has been ruled out of the entire tournament.
The 24-year old was gearing up for his maiden campaign in the IPL before a muscle injury ended his hopes. He sustained the injury while fielding during England’s second ODI against Bangladesh earlier this month. As per ESPNcricinfo, the player has been forced to withdraw from IPL 2023 after scans and subsequent consultation with a specialist.
During the IPL mini-auction in December 2022, RCB had signed up Will Jacks for Rs 3.2 crore. A fine hard-hitting batsman and a handy off-spinner, the England youngster was seen as a perfect cover for ageing allrounder Glenn Maxwell.
RCB eyeing New Zealand star to replace Will Jacks:
With Will Jacks out of IPL 2023, RCB have already started looking for his replacement. According to ESPNcricinfo, the Bengaluru-based franchise are in discussion with New Zealand allrounder Michael Bracewell to replace the England allrounder.
Bracewell is a spin-bowling allrounder who is known for his hard-hitting ability with the bat. He made his debut for New Zealand in all the three formats last year and hit the ground running in international cricket. Bracewell played one of the best ODI knocks of the last year when he smashed 127 not out from 82 balls to bail New Zealand out from 217 for 8 in a chase of 302 against Ireland.
In the following game, he took 2 for 26 in ten overs and helped finish off another chase with an unbeaten 42. He scored his second ODI century this year when he smashed 140 runs off just 78 balls against India in Hyderabad. The knock almost helped New Zealand chase down 350 after they were reduced to 131 for 6.
In case, RCB go on to sign up Bracewell to replace Jacks, it will be his maiden IPL campaign. The New Zealand allrounder had registered his name for the IPL auction in December but went unsold. Meanwhile, RCB will open their campaign in IPL 2023 on April 2 when they lock horns against Mumbai Indians.
Also Read: IPL 2023: RCB’s English Star Will Jacks Ruled Out Of Entire Tournament Due To Muscle Injury