It is rare when a replacement player gets retained for the next season. Usually, the injured cricketer comes back and hence, the replacement player might have to make way. However, sometimes, the replacement players do well and hence, they get retained. Sometimes, it is also used as a strategy by teams. Here, we take a look at the list of four replacement players in IPL 2023 who were retained before the IPL 2024 Auctions.
1) V Vyshak – Royal Challengers Bangalore
V Vyshak is one of the replacement players in IPL 2023 who were retained before the IPL 2024 Auctions. It was a surprise when RCB named Karnataka pacer Vyshak as the replacement for Rajat Patidar. However, Vyshak had a solid debut.
That said, in the later matches, he leaked a lot of runs. His ongoing domestic season is also average and his economy is on the higher side. However, Vyshak has a knack for collecting wickets. This could be one of the reasons why he was retained by RCB. With Harshal Patel released, Vyshak could get more games in IPL 2024.
2) Jason Roy – Kolkata Knight Riders
It was not a surprise that KKR retained Jason Roy for IPL 2024. The English batter was the replacement for Shakib Al Hasan last season. Shakib has been released but Roy is in the squad.
KKR needs some good openers as they fall short in this department. Roy is a destructive batter on his day. Therefore, he has been retained. Gurbaz is also a part of the setup. The Afghan is present as the first-choice wicket-keeper. KKR might still target one more top-order batter. This is needed for the balance of the side. Nevertheless, Roy will be a starter provided his partner is an Indian keeper.
3) Matthew Short – Punjab Kings
Matthew Short is also one of the replacement players in IPL 2023 who were retained before the IPL 2024 Auctions. The English batter came in as the replacement for Jonny Bairstow in IPL 2023. Both Bairstow and Short have been retained for the next season.
It is a surprise that Short is still a part of the squad. His performance was not brilliant last season. May be, he has been retained to be the backup for Liam Livingstone. Actually, PBKS could have targeted someone like Travis Head in this regard. Freeing one overseas slot could have helped the franchise. Nevertheless, PBKS can still target the likes of Rachin Ravindra and Travis Head.
4) Abhishek Porel – Delhi Capitals
Many were interested to know who would replace Rishabh Pant in IPL 2023. The opportunity came to Abhishek Porel from Bengal. While he was okay behind the stumps, Abhishek did not have a great run with the bat. That said, he did show some potential in this regard.
It appears that DC has gone in with this gut feeling. Being a left-hander, Abhishek’s presence can be useful for the side. Also, if Pant is not able to keep his wickets, DC would need a good Indian keeper. In this regard, Abhishek is required. This is the reason why he could have been retained.
