RCB head coach Sanjay Bangar confirmed that England fast bowler Reece Topley has been ruled out of IPL 2023 during the game between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Banglore. Bangar was talking to the commentators in the 12th over of the first innings when ex-New Zealand pacer Danny Morrison enquired about the Englishman's condition.
Also read: IPL 2023 Live Score | IPL 2023 Points Table
Reacting to the question, the former India international expressed that team tried their best but Reece Topley has been sent back home as he is still far away from recovering from the injury. Bangar also stated that RCB will be looking for a possible replacement for the Englishman.
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"Reece, unfortunately, had to go back home because he has been ruled out of the tournament," Sanjay Bangar said "We tried our best to keep him here, but the treatment and the experts suggest that he is going to be out of action for some time."
Topley joined RCB at the price of INR 1.9 crore (£190,000 approx.) in the December 2022 auction. The bidding started at his base price of INR 75 lakh (£75,000 approx.) and he also attracted bids from Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings. In the 2023 season, he is the third Royal Challengers player to be ruled out for the season with an injury after Will Jacks and Rajat Patidar.
Bangar also confirmed that Wanindu Hasaranga and Josh Hazlewood are expected to join the squad on April 10 and April 14 respectively. He said, "Hasaranga will arrive for us on the 10th, so depending on the time of his arrival and how he copes with the long flight from New Zealand is something we'll have to think [about].
"But in the meantime, Karn [Sharma] has taken his chances really well, so that's another headache for us - but it's a good headache," he further added.
