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Top 5 players who can replace Jofra Archer in IPL 2021
Mitchell McClenaghan or Cottrell can be Archer's replacement for RR in IPL
The searing pace of Jofra Archer will not be seen in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL). England fast bowler who suffered a severe right-elbow injury during the 5th Twenty20 International against India has confirmed that he will not be able to take part in the ongoing One-Day International series against India and even he will not be able to take part in middle of the upcoming IPL, starting from April.
The batsmen can breathe a sigh of relief but his franchise team Rajasthan Royals has faced a serious blow with the absence of its key bowler before the IPL. Jofra Archer was the leading wicket-taker of Rajasthan outfit with 20 wickets at an average of 18.25.
Now the 2008 IPL champions must be in a hunt of a replacement for the England fast bowler. So, an effort has been made to find out IPL 2021: 5 players who can replace Jofra Archer.
Sheldon Cottrell
His ‘salute send-off’ to the batsman, especially to Virat Kohli has been a part of T20 myths in recent times. Sheldon Cottrell is one of the effective lend-hand pacers who can put batsmen in a lot of trouble, especially the right-hand batsmen for his ability to offer controlled swing and changes of pace in death overs. The lanky West Indian fast bowler has so far scalped 37 wickets in 30 T20I matches and he has also claimed 6 wickets in 6 IPL matches. Archer’s absence could steer Cottrell to the RR and he can be one of the Top 5 players who can replace Jofra Archer in IPL 2021.
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Oshane Thomas
Only at the age of 24 Oshane Thomas has drawn attention of the cricket world for his ability to deliver at a sheer speed. Thomas has played in 15 T20Is for West Indies and claimed 18 wickets at a strike rate of 17.0. Especially, in March 2020, Thomas exhibited a eye-catching show against Sri Lanka at Pallekele, scalping 5 for 28 in the match. Thomas can be one of the IPL 2021: 5 players who can replace Jofra Archer.
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Billy Stanlake
Billy Stanlake is also a fast bowler like Thomas who can deliver at sheer pace. Billy Stanlake is termed as one of the most exciting fast bowlers in the shortest format of the game. He has natural ability to seam around the ball in the first 6 to 7 overs. Stanlake has already picked up 27 wickets, having participated in 19 T20 matches at an impressive economy rate of 7.77. The Australian fast bowler has also bagged 7 wickets, having featured in 6 IPL matches so far Rajasthan Royals can gain a lot from him if they rope in this fast bowler.
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Mitchell McClenaghan
Another perfect replacement of Jofra Archer can be Mitchell McClenaghan. He is a experienced campaigner in the shortest format of the game and he has already donned New Zealand shirts in 29 T20Is and claimed 30 wickets. Besides, McCleaghan has already participated in 56 IPL matches and captured 71 wickets at an average of 25.39. The Kiwi pacer has also been a part of three victorious campaigns, all with Mumbai Indians. McClenaghan ca also generate additional bounce off the pitch that can give great help to Rajasthan Royals.
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Jason Behrendorf
Rajasthan Royals (RR) can also look for another Australian left-arm pacer Jason Behrendorf. He was highly impressive in the Big Bash League (BBL) during the 2020-21 edition. Representing Perth Scorchers outfit, the 30-year old pacer has picked up 16 wickets at an excellent strike rate of 19.80. He also had turned out in the 5 IPL matches and claimed 5 wickets.
