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IPL 2021: Gerald Coetzee joins Rajasthan Royals as a replacement for Liam Livingstone

Coetzee has played eight T20 matches so far and has taken nine wickets at an average of 23.33 in the format.

By Arnab Mukherji | May 1, 2021 | 2 Min Read

Rajasthan Royals (RR) have announced their decision to sign South African fast bowler Gerald Coetzee as a replacement for England’s Liam Livingstone, for the remainder of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. Coetzee has played eight T20 matches so far and has accounted for nine wickets at an average of 23.33 in the format. The 20-year-old has represented his country in two under-19 World Cups. The Rajasthan based franchise will be next seen taking on SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Sunday afternoon at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on May 2.

Livingstone, Jofra Archer, Ben Stokes and Andrew Tye are the four overseas players who were initially expected to be a part of the IPL 2021 squad for RR, for the whole season. However, Livingstone and Tye left midway through the season, due to personal reasons influenced by COVID. While the Englishman complained of bio-bubble fatigue, the Australian all-rounder did not feel safe considering the cases in India. Archer did not come to India despite completing a recovery from his injury and having been expected to be a part of the RR squad. Stokes left for England following an injury sustained in the Royals’ opening league encounter against Punjab Kings (PBKS) while trying to complete a catch.

“Liam Livingstone has flown back home late last night, due to bubble fatigue accumulated over the past year. We understand and respect his decision, and will continue supporting him in any way we can,” read the official statement from the Rajasthan-based franchise.

Backed For Success By Allan Donald

South African batsman Rassie van der Dussen joined the Royals squad for the ongoing edition as a replacement for Stokes. Coetzee marks the second addition with the move quite interesting in nature. Allan Donald, the former Proteas fast bowler, was all praise for him, predicting success: “There is no question in my mind that Gerald Coetzee will be in that (senior) South African side or part of that group fairly shortly.”

The Royals are currently placed on the seventh position in the league standings, having won two matches out of a total of six. RR have accumulated four points at a net run rate of -0.690.