IPL 2018: Five possible replacements for Pat Cummins in the Mumbai camp

Losing Pat Cummins is a big blow for Mumbai.

MI will have to find a good replacement for Pat Cummins.

One of the saddening realities at the start of this IPL season has been some of the best talents missing out from the league because of several unfortunate developments. While the ball-tampering saga took away two of the best batsmen of our times, the series in South Africa and the gruelling, long test tour that it was, also took away two of the best fast bowlers of this generation. Another casualty has sadly been added to the list, Pat Cummins. 

Pat being there was giving the Mumbai Indians bowling line up a formidable look to it. Unfortunately, the heavy workload and subsequently a back injury has ensured that he'll be missing the season for them. Mumbai no longer has his services and will be searching for some replacements to again balance their squad. His replacement may not necessarily be a fast bowler, Mumbai can also look for batsmen and all-rounders to fill the slot.

Team  COC gets down to analyze the possible replacements for Cummins. Click on the next pages to know who they are.

 

1. Kane Richardson

Kane Richardson has been a fine bowler for Australia. (AFP)

The right arm fast bowler has been regularly featuring for Australia in the limited overs cricket. He generally plays when Australia are resting their first line of fast bowlers but has been filling in the shoes commendably. He did the same job in India last year when in the absence of Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, he stood up for Steve Smith every time he was given the ball. He has past experience of playing in the IPL for Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore.

 

2. Luke Ronchi

There has to be a place in the IPL for Luke Ronchi.

The right-hand big-hitting batsmen and wicketkeeper retired recently from international cricket but has been featuring in T20 leagues around the world. He was the highest run-getter in the just concluded Pakistan Super League for Islamabad United and played the key role in ensuring they win the title. He needs to be playing in the Indian Premier League, why not for Mumbai? 

 

3. Adam Zampa

Adam Zampa can do really well with some vote of confidence.(AFP)

Now that's a wrist spinner that we believe needs to be playing more often for Australia. Adam Zampa has come across as someone very gutsy in his approach and even though he isn't a completely finished product yet, he deserves more games. The vote of confidence from an IPL side might just get the best out of him. 

 

4. Martin Guptill

Martin Guptill can be a game changer.(AFP)

Many people were surprised when no team in the auction bid for him, because even considering his issues versus spin, on his day Martin Guptill has the ability to play match-defining innings. He can blast an opponent away in the powerplay and rattle them for the rest of the game. There has to be a place for him in the IPL. 

 

5. David Wiese

David Wiese is a fine all round player.(PTI)

We remember watching David Wiese play for RCB and the thought that why is this big-build, innocuous-looking bowler playing in an IPL first eleven came to mind but then we saw more, looked into his domestic numbers in South Africa and he has been simply magnificent there. He has pure numbers to suggest that there's a fine all-round cricketer in him and an IPL franchise would do well to think about him too. 

 
 

By Kashish Chadha - 10 Apr, 2018

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