5 players RR can sign as Liam Livingstone's replacement if he misses IPL 2021
Rajasthan Royals have been one of the unluckiest franchises in the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League. Before the second phase of the tournament got underway in the United Arab Emirates, four star overseas players of the squad, namely Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer and Andrew Tye were already unavailable.
Archer is recovering from an injury, Stokes has taken a break for mental well being, while Tye and Buttler opted out due to personal reasons. The Royals have signed Evin Lewis, Oshane Thomas, Tabraiz Shamsi and Glen Phillips as replacements so far. Now, it seems one more overseas player of the Rajasthan Royals squad might miss Phase 2 of IPL 2021.
He is Liam Livingstone, who injured his shoulder while playing in a county cricket game. While there is no official update on whether Livingstone will be a part of IPL 2021, the Rajasthan Royals can possibly sign any of the five following names as replacements for Livingstone:
1. Shaun Marsh
Former IPL Orange Cap winner Shaun Marsh has been absent from the Indian Premier League for quite some time. The left-handed batsman was the first batsman to win the Orange Cap in the Indian Premier League.
Marsh went unsold in IPL 2021 Auction. Since he is a middle-order batsman like Liam Livingstone, the Royals could possibly rope him in as a replacement.
2. Alex Hales
Liam Livingstone’s English teammate Alex Hales could return to the IPL as part of the Rajasthan Royals’ replacement signings. Hales has performed exceptionally well in the other T20 leagues.
He can change the game with his ability to score runs quickly. An opening combination of Hales and Evin Lewis can destroy even the best bowling lineups in the world.
3. Colin Munro
Kiwi all-rounder Colin Munro looked in good touch when he was playing in the Pakistan Super League in the United Arab Emirates earlier this year. Munro is a top-order batsman who knows how to score runs at a quick rate.
He can also bowl part-time if the team needs his services in the bowling unit. Munro can be a decent replacement for Livingstone in the RR squad.
4. Marnus Labuschagne
Marnus Labuschagne from Australia has impressed a lot with his batting skills. He was the leading run-scorer in the inaugural World Test Championship, and he has done well in the white-ball formats as well.
Labuschagne performed well as an all-rounder in the Big Bash League. He could be a fantastic addition to the RR squad in case the franchise signs him as a replacement for Liam Livingstone if he misses IPL 2021.
5. Mushfiqur Rahim
Mushfiqur Rahim has never been part of the Indian Premier League in his career. But his long wait can end if the Rajasthan Royals seek his services in case Livingstone is unavailable.
Rahim is a very experienced batsman. He can keep the wickets as well. With Mustafizur Rahman already in the squad, the Royals can perhaps add one more Bangladeshi star in their team for IPL 2021.