IPL 2021: Anil Kumble to finalize one more replacement player for Punjab Kings

Punjab Kings’ (PBKS) players, Jhye Richardson and Riley Meredith pulled out of the second half of the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) that will be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) this year. Also, it has been stated that Nathan Ellis is one of the replacement options that the team has finalized, and the other replacement option will be zeroed in upon, in the next couple of days.

The CEO of the Punjab Kings (PBKS) franchise, Satish Menon, stated that they tried convincing the Aussie duo, but both the players were not ready to take part in the IPL.

Stating that the Head Coach of the Punjab Kings (PBKS) side, Anil Kumble will finalize the replacements, Menon added that Nathan Ellis has already been roped in for the remaining matches of the tournament in the UAE. Menon added that the Punjab franchise respects the decisions taken by both Richardson and Meredith.

“We tried convincing the players but they were not ready to come, we respect the decision. We are in talks with few players. Our head coach Anil Kumble will finalize one soon in next 2-3 days. Nathan Allis already has been signed for the UAE leg,” said Menon as quoted by Inside Sport.

Punjab Kings did not experience a good run in the first leg of the IPL

In the first leg of the Indian Premier League (IPL) that took place in India, the Punjab Kings (PBKS) side did not experience a good run. In the 8 matches that they played, the Punjab outfit could emerge triumphant in only 3 of those games.

Also, even in the year 2020, when the IPL was held in the UAE, the Punjab Kings (PBKS) side finished only at 6th place in the points table, winning just 6 out of their 14 matches.

The Punjab Kings (PBKS) have never won the IPL title. In fact, the Punjab side has only been a part of one IPL final. Also, they have reached the knockout stages of the tournament only twice (in 2008 and 2014).

The second half of the 14th edition of the IPL will begin on 19th September 2021. The Punjab Kings (PBKS) will play their first match of the second leg of the IPL on 21st September 2021, against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) side.