IPL 2019: 5 players who could replace Shakib Al Hasan if he doesn't play
The 12th season of the Indian Premier League is here, and we just need to wait for about 20 days. The auction took place on the 18th of December in 2018, and most of the teams have spent big money. However, 2 teams in the form of CSK and SRH were there only to pick up a couple of players and strengthen their already intimidating squads.
Last season's runners-up Sunrisers Hyderabad bought just 3 players at the auction. England opener Jonny Bairstow was the most notable of the three, while the other two were Martin Guptill and Wriddhiman Saha. In many ways, they had the best auction and have roped in high quality batsmen. Batting has always been their Achilles heel, and by picking up Bairstow and Guptill, they have bolstered their batting lineup.
Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan played a key role for the Orange Army last season and contributed efficiently with both bat and ball. He scored 239 runs and picked up 14 wickets in 17 games. He fulfilled the role of an all-rounder with excellence last season. However, he may not be available for them this season due to an injury.
BCB president has stated that Shakib won't be fit for the IPL if he isn't for Bangladesh. He has been plagued by a finger injury for a long time and has aggravated it again. It is difficult for him to return to full fitness before the IPL begins and even if he does, BCB might not allow him to participate.
Even if he hadn't aggravated the injury again, he would have been available for only the first 3-4 games due to World Cup commitments. So, his injury could be a blessing in disguise for SRH as it would allow them to get in a replacement player for the whole tournament.
On that note, let us have a look at 5 players who could possibly replace him, if he can't participate.
#5 Pat Brown
Pat Brown is an unknown commodity, and even die-hard cricket fans in England might not be aware of him and his talent. The Worcestershire bowler does not have express pace and relies on his slower balls and other variations. SRH does not have a replacement for the out of form and rather injury prone Billy Stanlake, and Brown could slot in as his backup.
Brown has picked up 32 wickets in 21 innings at an average of 16.9 and has an economy rate of 8.17.