IPL 2018: Delhi Daredevils Pick Liam Plunkett to Replace Injured Kagiso Rabada

Cricketnext Staff | Updated: April 7, 2018, 3:26 PM IST

New Delhi: Delhi Daredevils have roped in English pacer Liam Plunkett to replace Kagiso Rabada. Liam Plunkett replaces the injured South African. Plunkett has featured in 13 Tests, 65 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and 15 T20 Internationals for England so far. This will be Plunkett’s first stint in the IPL. He was picked from the Registered Available Player Pool (RAPP) list. Delhi Daredevils open their IPL 2018 campaign with a game against the Kings XI Punjab at Mohali on April 8.

Pace spearhead Rabada was ruled out of the tournament due to a back injury. The fast bowler felt tightness and discomfort during the Johannesburg Test against Australia and subsequent scans revealed a lower back stress reaction injury, which will sideline the 22-year-old for up to three months.

Commenting on Rabada’s injury, Proteas team manager, Mohammed Moosajee was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au: “Kagiso has been diagnosed with a lower back stress reaction which will rule him out of cricket action for up to three months.”

“He will need a month’s break from all physical activity before commencing with a rehabilitation programme to get him ready for the series against Sri Lanka in July.”

Rabada was Delhi's lead foreign pacer along with Kiwi Trent Boult. He was retained by the capital based franchise using the RTM card for a whopping 4.2 crores. Delhi's other fast bowling options include Mohammed Shami, Chris Morris, Harshal Patel and Avesh Khan.