Prior to the start of the second phase of IPL, Punjab Kings, Lucknow Supergiants and Gujarat Titans announced replacement players. New Zealand's Kyle Jemison, William O'Rork and Sri Lankan Kusal Mendis Tournament will be seen playing the remaining matches. England's Johnny Bairstow can play against the Mumbai Indians at the playoffs.
The second phase of the IPL will begin on May 17. Due to the tension situation between India and Pakistan, the tournament was closed for 8 days. The last match was played on May 8 between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals.
Jemison will replace Loki Ferguson Punjab Kings included New Zealand fast bowler Loki Ferguson in the squad, his country's fast bowler Kyle Gemison. Ferguson was eliminated from the tournament due to a hamstring injury. Jemison became part of Punjab for Rs 2 crore.
Loki Ferguson was able to play only 4 IPL matches this season.
Kusal Mendis will play in the playoffs for GT Gujarat Titans incorporated wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis in the team instead of Jose Butler. Butler will return to his country on May 26 to play for the England team. GT's last league stage match will be in Ahmedabad against Chennai on May 25. If the Titans arrive at the playoffs, the Kusal Mendis Butler will be seen playing in the team. It has been included at a price of Rs 75 lakh.
Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis has not yet debuted in the IPL.
Mayank Yadav turned out again Mayank Yadav, fast bowler of Lucknow Supergiants, is once again out of the tournament. He was replaced by William O'Rork of New Zealand. Mayank is suffering from a back injury. O'Rork has been purchased for Rs 3 crore.
Mayank Yadav has only played 6 IPL matches in the last 2 seasons.
Bairstow can replace Will Jacks Mumbai Indians all -rounder Will Jacks will also return to England on May 26. If the Mi enters the playoffs, the team can include Johnny Bairsto instead of Jacks. The Bairstow, who played the 50 IPL match, remained unsold in the mega auction.
Players cannot be retained The IPL said in a new policy that the franchise can take replacement for the second phase. However, whatever players will be part of the team, the team will not be able to maintain them before next season. That means that O'Rork, Mendis, Jemison and Mustafizur Rahman of Bangladesh will enter the Mini Auction before next season. Jack Fraser has included Mustafizur in the Delhi team in place of Magark.
League Stage will run until May 27 The second phase of the IPL will run from 17 to 27 May. There will be 13 league stage matches in 11 days, including 2 double headers. Qualifier-1 and Eliminator will be held on May 29 and 30. Qualifier-2 will be played on June 1 and the finals on June 3. Playoff matches have not yet been decided.
Image Credit: Images/graphics belong to (Divya-Bhaskar).