IPL 2023: Rajasthan Royals rope in Sandeep Sharma as a replacement
Rajasthan Royals have named a replacement for their injured fast bowler Prasidh Krishna, with Sandeep Sharma set to represent the franchise in the upcoming IPL 2023. There were rumours of this but Rajasthan Royals made it official on Tuesday, four days before the season kicks off.
The franchise took to Twitter to announce the news while an IPL statement said, “Fast bowler Sandeep Sharma will represent Rajasthan Royals this season after being signed as a replacement for Prasidh Krishna. Picked for his base price of INR 50 lakh, Sandeep is one of the most senior bowlers in the tournament with over 100 wickets and 10 seasons of experience under his belt.”
Okay then, making this official. 👍💗 https://t.co/FAjBB6808I pic.twitter.com/Rf3ZwI0bSH
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) March 27, 2023
Sandeep Sharma has played 104 matches in the IPL, picking 114 wickets at an economy rate of 7.77 with best bowling figures of 4/20. He has previously played for Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Prasidh Krishna injury a big blow for Rajasthan Royals
Earlier, Prasidh Krishna was ruled out of the season with lumbar stress fracture that requires him to do a surgery. The injury comes as a big blow to Krishna's hopes of representing India in the ODI World Cup to be played later this year.
Prasidh has been out of action since India’s ODI tour of Zimbabwe last year. He was picked in the India A squad for the white-ball series against New Zealand A in September but suffered an injury after being selected.
Prasidh has been in rehab at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru since then and was initially expected to be fit by January. However, the progress wasn't as they hoped, prompting the medical team to suggest a surgery.
“We are doing everything possible to support and aid Prasidh’s recovery process from injury, and hope to see him steaming in soon. Our coaching staff has been actively identifying and developing pacers from our trials and preparatory camps, as we work towards a decision on Prasidh’s replacement. Unfortunately, after consulting the medical staff and him, it was decided that he will not be able to take part in IPL 2023,” said Rajasthan Royals in a statement.
READ: Rajat Patidar likely to miss first half of IPL 2023
Rajasthan Royals had acquired the services of the fast bowler for ₹10 crore ahead of the 2022 season. He was their second highest wicket-taker in the previous season where they reached the final for the first time since 2008. Krishna bagged 19 wickets in 17 matches at an economy of 8.28, including 3-22 versus Royal Challengers Bangalore in Qualifier 2.
Prasidh then went on to play for India on the England and the Caribbean tours that followed. He snared 25 wickets from 14 ODIs at an average of 23.92 and an economy rate of 5.32.
Rajasthan Royals will kick off their IPL 2023 campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad away from home on April 2. Last year they came short of winning the trophy when they lost to Gujarat Titans in the final.