The Royal Challengers Bangalore announced on Monday that Adam Zampa has been brought into the team’s set up as a replacement for Kane Richardson. The reason for Kane’s absence is the birth of his first child and he doesn’t want to miss it.
Zampa’s inclusion adds another option into RCB’s spin arsenal. The franchise already have some well-established spinners like Yuzvendra Chahal, Washington Sundar, Moeen Ali and Pawan Negi. RCB’s head coach Mike Hesson was the first one to talk about it. He said, “We are disappointed to not have Kane’s skills with us this IPL as he’s certainly on top of his game. However, once we found out Kane and Nyki’s baby was due during the IPL, it’s an exciting time and we were fully supportive of Kane wanting to be at the birth of their first child.”
Hesson also spoke about the decision of picking Zampa. One of the best reasons to select him was the pitch conditions in UAE and the management felt that getting an extra, quality leg-spinner would be great. Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson both are currently in the UK as a part of Australia’s 21-member squad for limited overs that comprises three T20Is and ODIS against England.
The Australian pacer had a base price of INR 1.5 cr but was eventually roped in for a massive INR 4cr in the auction. For Zampa, he has been a part of the previous editions of the IPL and was a member of Rising Pune Supergiants under Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s captaincy. He featured in 11 matches for the franchise and picked 19 wickets with an economy of 7.54.
However, Zampa’s favorite victims have been some big names. His best is Virat Kohli who he has dismissed seven times in 21 limited-overs games. His next best is Rohit Sharma, having dismissed him five times.
Cover Credits: CircleofCricket
