Dushmantha Chameera

Wanindu Hasaranga

ESPNCRICINFO: Royal Challengers Bangalore have bolstered their squad by adding the Sri Lankan duo of fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera and all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga, along with Australia’s big-hitting Tim David to their unit for the remainder of the IPL 2021, the franchise announced on Saturday.

The three replacements were announced as part of the team’s re-shuffle following certain overseas players’ unavailability for the remaining-half of the season. While Kane Richardson and Adam Zampa had flown back to Australia owing to personal reasons in the first-half itself, it was announced that Daniel Sams won’t be part of RCB’s campaign either, and nor will New Zealand’s pair of Fin Allen and Scott Kuggeleijn, both of whom would be busy touring with the national team.

“We have made some changes to the squad pertaining to the situation,” RCB’s Mike Hesson said during a media briefing. “We have come a long way and have shown steady progress as a team. The addition of Wanindu Hasaranga, Tim David and Dushmantha Chameera couldn’t have come at a better time during the replacement window, as we aim to continue with the momentum, building on our performance from earlier this year.”

Chameera and Hasaranga were an integral part of the limited-overs series against India in July, in which Sri Lanka emerged victorious 2-1 in the T20Is with both bowlers putting in impressive performances. Chameera replaces Daniel Sams, while Hasaranga comes in for Zampa in the squad. David replaces Allen for the remainder of the series.

In another important announcement, RCB announced that Simon Katich, who served as head coach, has stepped down from the post and Hesson will step in to discharge the duties of head coach for this season, in addition to his existing role of Director of Cricket Operations, RCB.

“Simon Katich, the head coach of RCB, has decided to step down as on date, mainly due to personal reasons, and we, as management, support his decision and completely back him on this. As per the [franchise’s] business continuity plan, Mike Hesson will step in and discharge the duties of head coach until end of this tournament,” Rajesh Menon, vice-president and head of the franchise, said.

NOCs for IPL-bound duo still to be decided