Royal Challengers Bangalore sign Finn Allen as Josh Philippe's replacement

The Royal Challengers Bangalore suffered a huge blow ahead of IPL 2021 as they learned Josh Philippe would not be available for the entire season. To ensure they have an overseas wicket-keeper batsman in the squad, the Royal Challengers signed Finn Allen as his replacement. 

Not many fans might recognize Finn Allen but he was the highest run-scorer in New Zealand’s T20 competition Super Smash. The right-handed batsman opened the innings for Wellington and even kept the wickets for his side. 

He has similar skills as Philippe. The best part about Finn Allen’s career is his strike rate. The Kiwi batsman has scored runs in T20 cricket at an excellent rate of 183.27. His batting could help RCB a lot because they already have firepower in the form of AB de Villiers, Glenn Maxwell, and Daniel Christian. 

RCB skipper Virat Kohli and opening batsman Devdutt Padikkal will likely play the anchor’s role for the team because they have aggressive batsmen in the top-order now. Although Allen has never played T20I cricket, the fans should note that New Zealand has produced some top-quality players of late. 

Since Finn was the most successful batsman in the Super Smash, it goes without saying that he possesses extraordinary talent and could be a long-term asset for the Royal Challengers Bangalore. 

Philippe could not impress much in IPL 2020. Still, the Bangalore-based franchise retained him because of his excellent performances in the Big Bash League. Even in BBL 2020/21, Philippe played a vital role in Sydney Sixers’ championship win as he claimed the Player of the Series award.

After making his international debut against New Zealand recently, Philippe will not play IPL 2021. It will be exciting to see how the uncapped Kiwi keeper Finn Allen performs while donning the RCB jersey in IPL 2021.