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The second phase of the Indian Premier League is all set to begin on the 19th and the phase will feature some exciting talents in the form of new signings made by the franchises. 

Yes, it is unfortunate that there will be a few big names missing out from the tournament owing to various reasons but the latest inclusions like Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga and the world’s best spinner in the shortest format- Tabraiz Shamsi is expected to clutch the tournament to a different dimension.

Cricwizz, today takes a look at the five new signings to watch out for in the second phase of the IPL 2021.

1) Wanindu Hasaranga (Royal Challengers Bangalore)

The 24-year old Sri Lankan prodigy has been notching up records and climbing the rankings ladder at will. His match winnings performances against India has been well rewarded as he finds himself a place in the global T20 tournament and given his skills with the ball and ability to play gritty knocks with the bat, the youngster is likely to become the face of Sri Lanka in the coming years. 

Hasaranga will be making his debut in the IPL for the Royal Challengers Bangalore and the chances of him making the playing Xl straight away look bright too. Let us take a look at the all-rounder’s stats in the shortest format.

 MatchesRunsWickets
T20I2520036
T206377083

# Hasaranga is ranked 2nd in the T20I bowlers' rankings and is the only Sri Lankan to find a place in the top 10 of any current ICC rankings.

2) Tabraiz Shamsi (Rajasthan Royals)

It was really surprising that the World’s best T20I bowler- Tabraiz Shamsi went unsold in the IPL auctions this year. However, talent and form are always rewarding as the South African finds himself a part of the IPL. The 31-year old is roped in as a replacement for Andrew Tye and like Hasaranga, Shamsi too looks to be certain in the playing Xl, given his current form in the international circuit. 

Can Shamsi continue his merry run in the sub-continent? Will he make the other franchises regret their decision of letting him go in the auctions? We will have all the answers on the 21st when the Royals take on the Punjab Kings.

 MatchesWicketsEco
T20I42496.79
T201661877.17

# Shamsi ranks joint- second in the list of most wickets in T20Is in a calendar year (28). Interestingly, the list is topped by Andrew Tye of Australia, who is being replaced by Shamsi ahead of the second phase.

# Shamsi is the only South African spinner to ever be ranked No.1 in the ICC T20I rankings.

3) Glenn Phillips (Rajasthan Royals)

“If I get an opportunity, I’ll try to do the best that I can. I’m someone who will put the team first every single time and hopefully give the people some entertainment.”

- Glenn Phillips

A strong message to the fans by the Kiwi, Glenn Phillips is surely someone to watch out for in the upcoming second phase of the IPL 2021. The 24-year old has been a great entity in the T20 format, however, he is has been having a roller coaster journey at the international level. His T20 stats have been authoritative and his ability to don the keeper’s gloves and play as a floater makes him a great asset in any team. 

Once again Rajasthan Royals have done great work in the talent acquisition department. But, can they convert that to a valuable metal piece? 

 MatchesRunsAverageStrike-rate
T20I2550528149.41
T20144399833142.22

# Phillips is two runs short of reaching the 4000 runs milestone in T20 cricket. He has been a consistent player in the domestic circuit and this IPL could prove to be a turning point in his career.

# His highest score of 108 in T20I is the 3rd highest score by a No.4 batsman. Glenn Maxwell’s 113* tops the list.

4) Adil Rashid (Punjab Kings)

Ranked No.4 in the ICC T20I bowlers rankings, England’s Adil Rashid has been had a tremendous time in the international circuit. Rashid comes in as a replacement for the Aussie pacer Jhye Richardson, who decided to pull out of the tournament to focus on the T20 WC 2021. This will be Rashid’s first IPL season and his ability to keep the batsmen in check could prove vital for the Punjab who are looking to strengthen their bowling attack.

Can the experienced 33-year old help Punjab Kings control the leakage of runs? If he does manage to bowl his quota under an economy of 7, we might be looking at a revamped Punjab side.

 MatchesWicketsEco
T20I62657.48
T202012327.43

# Rashid has bowled a total of 1266 balls in T20Is, which is the second-most by an English player and 10th overall.

# With 65 wickets to his name he ranks 16th on the list of players with the most wickets in T20Is.

5) Tim David (Royal Challengers Bangalore)

Tim David has already created history by becoming the first Singaporean to feature in the Indian Premier League. The 25-year old is one of the busiest players in the domestic circuit. David can be seen everywhere, from T10 leagues to the BBL, he has been made a name for himself as a big-hitter. 

David has amassed 741 runs in this calendar year playing in the PSL, BBL, and recently concluded CPL. He has been very consistent at the lower order and his ability to switch gears depending on the match situation is likely to give him a straight entry into the playing Xl. 

 MatchesRunsAverageStrike-rate
T20I1142946.50158.52
T2062146836154

# With a staggering strike-rate of 158.52, Tim David is ranked 4th in the list of players with the highest SR in T20Is. He definitely could be a nightmare for the bowlers when on song.

# Tim David also holds the joint record for the most catches in a T20I inning (4).

Which player do you think will be the most impactful in the second phase of the IPL 2021, which is slated to begin this Sunday. Who do you think will find it difficult to make it to the playing Xl of their respective teams? Do let us know your thoughts in the comments. (hyperlink)

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Cover credits: Crickettimes