Jake Fraser-McGurk has confirmed that he won’t be travelling back to India for the remaining season of IPL. So, DC has signed Mustafizur Rahman as his replacement for the rest of the IPL. But Mustafizur Rahman‘s availability in the group stages has not yet been confirmed, as Bangladesh are facing the UAE in a T20 series starting from May 17.
Mustafizur Rahman replacement for Mitchell Starc
Mitchell Starc has been leading the DC bowling attack this season with 14 wickets in 11 matches. He performed well in clutch situations and saved matches for DC. DC will miss his services at the business end of the tournament.
They have signed Mustafizur Rahman as a replacement for Jake Fraser-McGurk, who confirmed his unavailability for the rest of the tournament. McGurk is already warming the bench for few matches. So, it seems like DC has targeted to fill the gap of Mitchell Starc.
Mustafizur Rahman is a left-arm fast bowler from Bangladesh, not quick enough like Starc, but can be effective with his slower ones in the death overs. He can bowl 1 or 2 overs with the new ball as well. He previously played for SRH, MI and CSK in IPL.
DC’s next 3 games :
vs GT on May 18 at Arun Jaitley Stadium
vs MI on May 21st at Wankhede Stadium
vs PBKS on May 24th at Sawai Mansingh Stadium
All three teams are active in the playoff race and DC probably have the toughest schedule in this second phase of IPL. Mustafizur’s variations can be effective on the batting paradises like Wankhede and Arun Jaitley. His slower ones will be valuable at the Sawai Mansingh stadium.
He can make a good partnership with Natarajan in the middle and death overs, making the batters beg for pace in the ball.
International commitments?
Mustafizur Rahman is currently in Dubai for the 2 match T20I series against the UAE, which starts on May 17. Bangladesh is also playing a five-match T20 series with Pakistan, which starts from May 25. Mustafizur Rahman is yet to receive NOC from the BCB for the IPL.
Can DC retain him?
Mustafizur Rahman won’t be eligible for retention next year as per the new IPL rules. Players who are picked before the suspension of the IPL are only eligible to be retained by their respective teams. He could be seen in the 2026 mini auction, and if he performs well for DC in the remaining matches, other teams could make an eye on him in the upcoming auction next year.
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