IPL 2021: Finn Allen signs for Royal Challengers Bangalore as replacement for Josh Philippe

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have been forced to make a change to their squad after Australian wicket-keeper batsman Josh Philippe pulled out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 by making himself unavailable. New Zealand cricketer Finn Allen has been signed as his replacement.

RCB had a decent IPL season last year as they got off to a terrific start in the tournament before losing steam later in the league stages. They made it to the playoffs as the fourth placed team and faced Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Eliminator. They were then eliminated by SRH thanks to a scintillating and assured partnership between national team captains Kane Williamson and Jason Holder.

Finn Allen signed by RCB for Rs. 20 lakhs

RCB have now signed up fellow wicket-keeper batsman across the Tasman border as that of Philippe in Finn Allen. Allen hasn’t played for the national team unlike Philippe but he has proved his mettle by playing in 12 first-class matches and scoring three half centuries. He has also lit up domestic T20 tournaments with his ability to score runs at a quick pace. Finn’s base price of Rs. 20 lakhs in the IPL auction matches with that of Josh Philippe and hence, he has straightaway been roped in as a replacement.

Despite the recent development, it remains unsure as to whether Finn would feature regularly for the franchise in the IPL. With the likes of AB de Villiers, Glenn Maxwell and Kyle Jamieson almost assured of a starting spot, one has to wait and watch who RCB’s fourth overseas option would be.

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