We have come to the business end of the IPL. Four teams RCB, MI, GT and PBKS have been qualified for the playoffs. The teams in playoffs are signing temporary replacements as some of their players to miss the playoffs due to national duties.
GT has signed Kusal Mendis as the replacement of Jos Buttler. MI has signed Jonny Bairstow, Charith Asalanka and Richard Gleeson in the places of Ryan Rickelton, Will Jacks and Cosbin Bosch. All these players will join their respective teams for the playoff matches.
RCB replacements
RCB has already signed Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Muzarabani in place of Lungi Ngidi. Now they have signed New Zealand batter Tim Seifert in place of Jacob Bethell for the playoffs. Jacob Bethell will leave after the group stage matches to join the England vs West Indies ODI series which starts from May 29.
Jacob Bethell impressed in his second game against CSK where he scored an aggressive half century and helped the team to post a big total. He replaced the injured Phil Salt and did his role perfectly as an opener in the two matches he played. RCB will miss his services, but Tim Seifert looks like a perfect choice for the replacement considering his recent form and experience.
Recent form of Tim Seifert
Tim Seifert was associated with Karachi Kings in PSL, but not in his great form as he scored just 119 runs in his last 5 innings. But, he has exceptional numbers in his last T20I series against Pakistan in March where he scored 249 runs in 5 innings with one half century at an average of 62.25 with a strike rate of 207.50, with 20 fours and 22 sixes.
Tim Seifert would be looking to replicate that form if he gets a chance in the playing XI. But Phil Salt will be the first choice for RCB as an opener. In case he suffered any injury, we might get to see Tim Seifert in action.
Tim Seifert is an experienced candidate who made his T20I debut in 2018. He has represented New Zealand in 66 T20 internationals so far. He can also keep wickets and would be an apt option to replace Phil Salt as well if needed.
He has played for Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders in the previous seasons. He will be looking forward to carry the legacy of New Zealand wicket keepers in IPL which was created by Brendon McCullum and Devon Conway.
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