BBL 2017/18: Kieron Pollard, Mohammad Nabi replace Sunil Narine for Melbourne Renegades
What's the story?
In what comes as a massive blow to the Melbourne Renegades, Sunil Narine has withdrawn from the upcoming edition of the Big Bash League citing personal reasons. However, the Renegades have acted quickly to cushion it, roping in Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi and hard-hitting T20 mercenary Kieron Pollard.
"We wish Sunil all the best," Renegades head coach Andrew McDonald told melbournerenegades.com.au.
"At short notice, we are pleased that we've been able to secure players of Mohammad and Kieron's quality who will be important contributors this season for us."
In case you didn't know...
For the first time in the history of the competition, two Afghanistan players will feature after Rashid Khan was picked up the Adelaide Strikers in September.
The heart of the matter
Nabi will be available for the first seven games of the tournament following which he will be replaced by Pollard. This will be Pollard's fifth stint in the BBL after he turned out for the Strikers for the first four editions of the marquee league.
"Everyone speaks very highly of his game," said Finch about the new signing.
"(He) can smack them with the bat, so good all-round package," he added. Nabi is currently ranked third in the ICC T20 rankings for all-rounders and will be a useful addition to the Renegades squad.
What's next?
The BBL will kick off on the 19th of December and the Renegades will make the trip to Hobart to square off against the Hurricanes for their opening encounter.
Author's take
While the departure of Narine will badly hurt the Renegades' chances, the addition of Pollard and Nabi, who have proved their worth in various T20 tournaments around the world, will be enough to fill the void. In his absence, the spin responsibilities will rest solely on the veteran shoulders of Brad Hogg.