IPL 2021: Scott Kuggeleijn joins RCB as replacement for Kane Richardson - report

Royal Challengers Bangalore have signed Scott Kuggeleijn as a replacement for Kane Richardson for the remainder of the IPL 2021. That is according to ESPNCricinfo, who say that the New Zealand all-rounder will join the RCB camp soon. Kuggeleijn has previously played for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL.

However, he went unpicked in the 2021 auction this time around. He was already part of the IPL bio-bubble, as he joined Mumbai Indians’ camp as a reserve bowler.

The signing comes after Australian cricketers Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson pulled out of IPL 2021 because of personal reasons.

“Adam Zampa & Kane Richardson are returning to Australia for personal reasons and will be unavailable for the remainder of IPL season. Royal Challengers Bangalore offers complete support to them in all the possible way we can,” RCB said in an official release.

Zampa and Richardson have joined compatriot Andrew Tye in pulling out of the competition. Tye had left the Rajasthan Royals camp to travel back to Australia this week.

‘How can IPL 2021 go ahead?’

Tye also questioned how the tournament can keep going ahead as India struggles with a second wave of coronavirus cases.

India has logged over 300,000 new cases for the past few days. Many hospitals are complaining about a lack of oxygen and beds for patients.

“From a player safety point of view, we’re safe now but is it going to stay safe,” the Australian cricketer told cricket.com.au.

“But looking at it from an Indian point of view, how are these companies and franchises spending so much money, and the government, on the IPL when there’s people not being able to get accepted into hospital?” he added.

“If sport can continue and be one of those avenues to relieve stress or give a glimmer of hope that the world is OK and there is light at the end of the tunnel, I think it should go ahead. But I know that’s not everyone’s feelings and I completely respect everyone’s views from all angles.”

The cash-rich league is being organised in a tightly controlled bio-secure bubble, with proper precautions at every stage.

There are now only 14 Australians remaining in the ongoing edition, including players, coaches and commentators.