Two all-rounders who could serve as valuable replacements for franchises
Now that the auctions for the 12th edition of the IPL are done and dusted, franchises are nearly settled with their squad. However, injuries are something which can never be predicted and can massively dent a side going into the tournament. This is where the replacements come into the picture.
Why, even Chris Gayle made a name for himself after coming in as a replacement for the injured Dirk Nannes for RCB. This was after he was neglected at the auctions. The rest, as we know, is history. Mitch McClenaghan, Alex Hales, Heinrich Klassen have all served as replacements in the cash-rich IPL.
The ongoing One-day series between New Zealand and Sri Lanka has brought to light two magnificent all-rounders, one each from each side. Also, most teams would not shy away from adding an all-rounder to their roster if an overseas slot becomes available. As such, these are the two guys to look forward to, as teams might come searching for them in case an injury arises to one of their players.
#1 THISARA PERERA
Thisara Perera, the burly all-rounder was always known to be a big hitter. However, inconsistency plagued him during the early part of the year. Despite being around the team for a majority of the time, most people thought of him as an occasional performer, a flash in the pan. The dearth of quality all-rounders around the globe meant Perera got a chance to play in various T20 leagues around the world including the IPL, BBL, CPL, BPL, and the PSL.
Over the past year or so, he has added an extra sense of responsibility to his batting. Now a senior member, he was also given the reins of the limited-overs side for a brief while. Of late, he has shown tremendous consistency in his batting, being the only bright light for an otherwise struggling Sri Lankan side.
During the ongoing series, he made a fighting century from No.7, scoring 140 off just 74 balls, nearly helping his team over the line, In the final match too, Perera top scored with 80. Both innings were typically characterized by his power hitting. Serviceable with the ball in hand, Perera could be a handy addition for most sides.
#2 JIMMY NEESHAM
As is the case with most New Zealanders, James Neesham as a player has flown under the radar quite often, in and out of the team for quite a long time now, Neesham never really succeeded in establishing himself in the limited overs side. The emergence of Colin de Grandhomme at the same time only made matters tough for him.
But given a chance in the series in the absence of Colin, Neesham made a name for himself. Better than Thisara with the ball, Neesham is quite handy with his variations while bowling his military medium. Reinventing himself with the bat, Neesham memorably thwacked 5 sixes off a Thisara Perera over.
He had an outstanding series with the bat, making vital contributions in the first and second match. While he might not have the experience Perera has, Neesham is a quality all-rounder nevertheless.