IPL 2021: Sherfane Rutherford replaces Jonny Bairstow, Aiden Markram roped in as Dawid Malan replacement

Windies all-rounder Sherfane Rutherford’s sensational performances for St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in the ongoing edition of CPL, have borne fruit. The cricketer has been included in the SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) squad as a replacement for Jonny Bairstow, with the Englishman not available for the second half of IPL 2021. Another interesting move is the decision by Punjab Kings (PBKS) to select South African cricketer Aiden Markram in place of Dawid Malan, with the latter’s absence certainly an area of concern. Malan is one of the best in the shortest format of the game, and can be a match-winner on his day. Bairstow is a game-changer to the core with his opening partnerships alongside David Warner, hailed by one and all.

Rutherford has smashed 202 runs in 7 games so far which includes 3 half-centuries. The Windies all-rounder’s addition is certainly a vital one, considering the brilliant form he is enjoying.

Punjab Kings confident despite Dawid Malan’s unavailability

PBKS have their tasks cut out when IPL 2021 resumes on 19th September in the UAE. KL Rahul’s team has recorded three wins out of eight so far in the competition. They will need to win at least five out of their last six games to be assured of making it to the playoffs. While the task is certainly a tough one, spinner Ravi Bishnoi is confident about PBKS pulling off the necessary wins considering the conditions, venues and previous experience.

“It feels nice to be back in Dubai. It doesn’t seem like it has been a year since we last came here. Conditions here will help spinners like me and Adil Rashid, these wickets are very good for spinners. Even the grounds here are good, two grounds are nice and big, although one is small. Feels good to be back here, and I believe the conditions in Dubai will help our team,” he explained in an interaction with the Punjab-based franchise’s official website.

“Last year we won 5 matches on the trot. This time we have to win just four out of the remaining six games. We will surely win. In the first half, we could win only three out of our eight games, but now with this gap in the middle I believe will be very helpful for the team. Back then, the momentum wasn’t on our side, but now everybody is starting afresh, and hopefully this fresh start can help us win and qualify for the playoffs,“ further explained the leg spinner.

Learning from Adil Rashid

Bishnoi will get an opportunity to learn from English spinner Adil Rashid, who has joined the spin bowling department. The seasoned English spinner and pacer Nathan Ellis will be a part of the PBKS squad for the remaining games, with Jhye Richardson and Riley Meredith sidelined.

“Yes, I have seen Adil Rashid’s bowling all these years on my television. He bowls really well, and I’m eager to meet him and learn a few tricks of the trade. We have a lot of good spinners in our team, and there will be some good, healthy competition amongst all of us, so I am looking forward to learning from him (Rashid) and competing with him,” concluded Bishnoi.