IPL 2023: Wayne Parnell replaces injured Reece Topley at RCB
Veteran South African all-rounder Wayne Parnell is set to join Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) as a replacement for injured Reece Topley, reported ESPNcricinfo. Topley picked up a shoulder injury during RCB's Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 opener versus Mumbai Indians and played no further part in it. RCB coach Sanjay Bangar confirmed his ouster on Thursday (April 6). Here are further details.
A look at Parnell's T20 numbers
A veteran of the T20 format, Parnell owns 259 wickets in 257 games at an impressive economy rate of 7.85. With the bat, he has accumulated 1,887 runs at a strike rate of 123.65. Notably, Parnell has been a part of IPL before, having played his last game in the competition in 2014. The left-arm-pacer scalped 26 wickets in as many games (ER: 7.35).
RCB'S injury woes in IPL 2023
Topley was the latest addition to the list of injured players for RCB. England's Will Jacks suffered a muscle injury and was ruled out of IPL 2023. He was replaced by New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell. Rajat Patidar was ruled out and is undergoing rehab at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. Josh Hazlewood is set to miss the initial phase as well.
Vyshak Vijay Kumar replaces Patidar
It has also been learned that RCB have welcomed Vyshak Vijay Kumar as a replacement for Patidar. The 26-year-old right-arm pacer represents Karnataka in domestic cricket. He has so far made 14 T20 appearances, scalping 22 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 6.92. 3/5 read his best figures in the format. He has joined RCB for Rs. 20 lakh.
RCB's mix start to IPL 2023
RCB made a stellar start to IPL 2023, thrashing Mumbai Indians by eight wickets in their opening game. However, they suffered a humiliating 81-run defeat versus Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their next outing. Chasing 205, RCB were folded for 123 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. England's fast-bowling all-rounder David Willey had replaced Topley in the RCB XI.
