Liam Plunkett will replace Kagiso Rabada in IPL 2018

Delhi were rocked by the news that South African pacer Kagiso Rabada was ruled out of the IPL due to a major back issue.

However, the franchise has named experienced England fast bowler Liam Plunkett as Rabada’s replacement. The 33-year-old all-rounder has played 119 T20 matches, scoring 627 runs and taking 110 wickets with a best of 5/31.

The fast bowler felt tightness and discomfort during the fourth and final test in Johannesburg against Australia and scans revealed a lower back stress reaction injury. He was retained by the franchise using the RTM card for 4.2 crores.

Fresh off a brilliant series against Australia, Rabada was expected to lead DD’s bowling attack, and be one of the stars of this season’s IPL.

This will be the “first stint” in the IPL for the 33-year-old Plunkett. He was picked from the Registered Available Player Pool (RAPP) list. Delhi Daredevils took it to social media Twitter to announce the replacement.

Here’s the tweet:

“Here’s announcing @Liam628 as our replacement for @KagisoRabada25 for the VIVO @IPL 2018. We’re stoked to have him with us!

Welcome to Dilli, Liam! 😀#DilDilli #Dhadkega”, tweeted by the franchise.

Commenting on Rabada’s injury, Proteas team manager, Mohammed Moosajee was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au: “Kagiso has been diagnosed with a lower back stress reaction which will rule him out of cricket action for up to three months.”

“He will need a month’s break from all physical activity before commencing with a rehabilitation programme to get him ready for the series against Sri Lanka in July.”

Rabada would be trying to recover in time for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka in July.

Delhi Daredevils play their first match of IPL 2018 against Kings XI Punjab on April 8th, 2018.

While Rabada’s loss will be big for DD, the Gambhir led side will hope to collectively share his burden. This is arguably Delhi’s best squad ever, and with an accomplished leader in Gambhir the side can expect to go a long way.