Three teams that can sign James Faulkner ahead of the IPL 2021’s second leg
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James Faulkner
The Indian Premier League is often seen as a rising path for players from around the globe, and James Faulkner will be keeping a watch on the mega-event, which is set to resume in September in the United Arab Emirates after being suspended in the middle due to Covid-19 concerns. Faulkner, one of the best all-rounders in the game, went from being an Australian World Cup hero after earning Player of the Match in the 2015 World Cup final against New Zealand to a forgotten player in the cricketing fraternity .
Despite the fact that he has been out of the field for some time, the all-rounder is intending to reemerge. Faulkner has taken 8 wickets in three games for the Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League 2021, and also played a match-winning cameo against Peshawar Zalmi.
Now with the unavailability of several overseas players in the rescheduled IPL 2021 due to international commitment and COVID concerns, many franchises will look for their replacements which would open the doors for James Faulkner. The Aussie has already been part of the grand league featuring in 60 matches over a period of six years from 2011-2017, scoring 527 runs and taking 59 wickets.
Considering the recent form and experience of Faulkner, franchises will be hugely benefitted from his inclusion in the team. On that note, let’s take a look at three IPL teams that can sign James Faulkner ahead of IPL 2021’s second phase.
Rajasthan Royals
The England Cricket Board (ECB) are unlikely to send the English players to the rescheduled IPL 2021 owing to international duties. Rajasthan Royals, who are heavily relied on the English players will be affected the most if they do not participate. The unavailability of players like Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer, and Liam Livingstone would bring a drastic fall in the Royals’ team balance.
The addition of Faulkner would bring healthy stability to the squad and would also fill several loopholes. The Aussie can partner with Chris Morris and help the Royals secure a successful IPL 2021 campaign.
Kolkata Knight Riders
Kolkata Knight Riders had a below-average campaign in the first phase of the IPL 2021. Despite their poor run, Pat Cummins turned out to be a huge positive for the Knight Riders, who contributed in both departments of the game.
However, Cummins confirmed his unavailability for the rescheduled IPL 2021 to former KKR skipper Dinesh Karthik which came out as a huge blow for the franchise. They will be looking for his replacements and James Faulker could be a perfect alternative.
Faulkner is going through a great patch in the PSL 2021 and would be a great addition to the KKR squad. He will add variety with his left-arm bowling and would also help in releasing pressure off Andre Russel, over whom KKR have been highly dependent.
Punjab Kings
Punjab Kings are another team who struggled to find the ideal balance in their squad during the first phase of the IPl 2021. They went big in the auction bagging Jhye Richardson and Riley Meredith for heavy prices but unfortunately, their performances were far from good.
Also, they lacked a decent power-hitter in the lower order which increased the pressure on the likes of KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal restricting them from playing freely.
Now, with the participation of Chris Jordan and Dawid Malan in the IPL 2021’s second phase being unlikely, PBKS can rope in James Faulkner who can be a dynamic player for them. Faulkner can solve their bowling woes with his experience and considering his recent form, also, he can be crucial with the bat lower down the order scoring quick runs.
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Mohamed Azhar
(370 Articles Published)