IPL 2021: 3 Players who can replace Liam Livingstone in the RR squad

During the 2021 auction, every fan was surprised when they saw that big names were unable to fetch bidders. This is mainly because the proven performers have been unable to perform in the toughest T20 league. With the IPL slowly approaching the middle and the most crucial phase, there is a huge blow for the Rajasthan Royals.

One of their proven performers, Liam Livingstone has left the squad with the main reason being bubble fatigue. Well, in a time of a pandemic, the bubble environment has made life more difficult for the players. The issues with bio bubbles have been seen with various players at the international and domestic level so far. 

Talking about Liam, the English batsman has spent much of the last ten months moving in and out of bio-secure bubbles. And as the IPL is being conducted in a country like India, the BCCI has tightened the screws when the matter comes to the safety of the players. The right-handed batsman has been a proven performer for the Perth Scorchers as he was one of the main contributors to the team.

Let us have a look at the best possible replacements for Liam Livingstone:

3. Alex Hales

Alex Hales is one of those players who have revolutionized English cricket post the 2015 World Cup. He is a clean striker of the ball who plays in the fifth gear from the word go. Although he has been unable to secure his place regularly in the national squad, he is the perfect opener in the shortest format of the game. And for a team like Royals, who lack a strong partner for Jos, Hales might be the man for them.

Hales has played in 60 T20I games so far. With 1644 runs with an average of 136.66, he can attack the opposition with ease. If in case a batting collapse happens, he can play the role of an anchor too. In the IPL, he has not got enough chances, with only six games, he has scored 148 runs. A mediocre strike rate of 125.42 never helped him to find a place in the playing eleven of the franchise he played for. 

But, his BBL stats are outstanding. Hales plays for Sydney Thunder, as an opener. And for them, he has scored 1474 runs with a strike rate of 152.12. This strike rate has been overlooked by the franchises this year. But, if the management is looking for a replacement, then Hales might be their man.

2. Evin Lewis

Evin Lewis is one of the most brutal strikers of the cricket ball in the Caribbean. Even with the short height, he is not intimidated by the pacers. He is a batsman who will not waste time to tee off. Well, just like most of the talented players, Lewis was unsold in this auction. 

In 54 ODI matches, Lewis has scored 1791 runs with an average of 36.55. This stat showcases that in case of a collapse, which often occurs in the IPL, he can hold on to one end. Talking about his T20I records, in 35 games, he has scored 989 runs with a healthy average of 30.91. Do note that any average over 30 is a healthy one. His strike rate in T20Is is 155.75, which is a humongous one. 

Lewis was a part of the Mumbai Indians squad. In 16 games, he has scored 430 runs with an average of 26.88. In the toughest league, he has a strike rate of 131.1. If he opens with someone like Jos, then it will provide an extra cushion to Sanju Samson.

1. Aaron Finch

It is mind-boggling that the Australian limited-overs captain went unsold in this edition of the Indian Premier League auction. Aaron Finch has been a part of multiple IPL franchises so far. But, he has been unable to find a permanent base. This is mainly because the franchises tend to drop him after a few games. 

Finch has been exceptional for Australia in his career. In 71 T20I games, Finch has scored 2346 runs. The highest score of 172 showcases his brute strength to demolish bowling attacks. In the international T20 arena, he has a brilliant strike rate of 152.14. Well, IPL teams should opt for him during the mega auctions which are scheduled to be conducted next year. 

Aaron Finch has been captaining Australia for over three years. And he can provide his valuable suggestions to the inexperienced captain Sanju Samson. In 87 matches, Finch has scored 2005 runs with a strike rate of 127.71. But, if he gets more chances, he can become one of the greats of the tournament.