Mike Hesson reveals the reason why Kane Richardson pulled out of IPL 2020

Kane Richardson, the Australian fast bowler, has pulled out from the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) going into the 2020 Indian Premier League (IPL). Virat Kohli and Co roped the speedster in for a whopping INR 4 crore in the auction that took place in December 2019.

The Melbourne Renegades pacer backed out to attend his pregnant wife Nyki. Richardson has, earlier, played in the cash-rich league, and has played for the national team in ODIs and T20Is after his decent shows in the 2018-19 Big Bash League (BBL).

“The RCB family is excited for Kane and his wife who are expecting the birth of their first child and respect his decision to pull out of the tournament,” RCB stated.

Mike Hesson, the team director, also said that he’s disappointed for not having the Aussie seamer in their ranks. But he also extended his support for the cricketer, who’s set to become a father.

Hesson wishes Kane Richardson for parenthood

“We are disappointed to not have Kane’s skills with us this IPL as he 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,” said Hesson.

Hesson also dropped in a congratulatory tweet for the same. He took to Twitter and wrote, “Welcome Zamps! Excited to have you on board soon in the UAE with @RCBTweets Kane and Nyki we wish you both well for exciting times ahead with your upcoming addition to the family#PlayBold #IPL2020.”

Adam Zampa, the talented leg-spinner, has replaced Kane in the Challengers squad. Back in 2016 and 2017, the tweaker had played in the IPL, representing the Rising Pune Supergiant. In 11 matches, he picked up 19 wickets and impressed one and all. Zampa will also be playing alongside Virat, who he has dismissed seven times in limited-overs cricket- the most by any bowler.

In RCB, Zampa will have the likes of Yuzvendra Chahal, Washington Sundar, Pawan Negi, Moeen Ali and Shahbaz Ahmed in the spin department. RCB are yet to win the trophy in 12 attempts and will be looking for change in their fortunes.