IPL 2020: Adam Zampa Replaces Kane Richardson in Royal Challengers Bangalore Squad

Australia legspinner Adam Zampa has replaced pacer Kane Richardson in the Royal Challengers Bangalore squad for Indian Premier League 2020, the franchise announced on Monday. Richardson has pulled out of the tournament as he is expecting the birth of his first child.

We’re thrilled to welcome Adam Zampa in RCB colours. He replaces Kane Richardson. Let’s #PlayBold Adam Zampa. #PlayBold #IPL2020 #WeAreChallengers pic.twitter.com/63rnT8SvSV

— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) August 31, 2020

"The RCB family is excited for Kane and his wife who are expecting the birth of their first child and respect his decision to pull out of the tournament," the franchise added.

ALSO READ: AB de Villiers Has 'Enjoyable' First Net Session in Dubai

Richardson has played 14 IPL matches picking up 18 wickets.

“We are disappointed to not have Kane’s skills with us this IPL as he certainly on top of his game. However once we found out Kane and Nyki’s baby was due during the IPL, it’s an exciting time and we were fully supportive of Kane wanting to be at the birth of there first child," said Mike Hesson, the team director.

"When looking at our squad for UAE conditions we felt it was an opportunity to bring in another quality leg spinner in Adam Zampa to provide cover for Chahal and also give us extra options if conditions suit spin as expected during the tournament."

Zampa's inclusion strengthens RCB's spin attack, which already has Yuzvendra Chahal, Washington Sundar, Pawan Negi, Moeen Ali and Shahbaz Ahmed.

ALSO READ: Virat Kohli's RCB Could Play Tournament Opener After Covid-19 Cases in CSK Camp

Zampa has played for the now defunct Rising Pune Supergiant in the past (2016 and 2017), featuring in 11 matches picking up 19 wickets.

Interestingly, Zampa has a terrific record against RCB captain Virat Kohli, having dismissed him seven times in limited-overs cricket - the most by any bowler.

RCB are yet to win the IPL in 12 attempts. They are contemplating having AB de Villiers as the wicketkeeper, which could make the team selection flexible. The team has completed its mandatory quarantine in Dubai and has begun training.

The IPL is set to begin on September 19, with the final scheduled for November 10.

RCB squad: Virat Kohli (C), Aaron Finch, Devdutt Padikkal, Chris Morris, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Isuru Udana, Moeen Ali, Pavan Deshpande, Pawan Negi, Shahbaz Ahmed, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, AB de Villiers, Josh Philippe, Parthiv Patel, Dale Steyn, Adam Zampa, Mohammed Siraj, Navdeep Saini, Umesh Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal