IPL nuggets: South African Wayne Parnell joins RCB

Royal Challengers Bangalore have roped in South Africa pace-bowling all-rounder Wayne Parnell as a replacement for the injured Reece Topley.

The left-arm fast-bowler dislocated his shoulder while fielding in RCB’s opening match of IPL 2023 against Mumbai Indians.

The Bangalore-based outfit has named Parnell and Vyshak Vijay Kumar as replacements for Topley and Rajat Patidar for the remainder of IPL 2023.

While Topley suffered a shoulder injury, Patidar has still not recovered from a heel injury and has been ruled out of the tournament.

Parnell joins RCB’s and brings a wealth of international and IPL experience with him.

He has represented South Africa in 56 T20Is, in addition to 6 Tests and 73 ODIs, and has 59 T20I wickets to his name.

The left-arm pacer has played 26 IPL matches and has picked up 26 wickets.

Parnell joins RCB for a sum of Rs 75 Lakh.

As for Patidar’s replacement, Vyashak Vijay Kumar represents Karnataka in domestic cricket and has played 14 T20s, scalping 22 wickets and joins RCB for Rs 20 Lakh.

Earlier, RCB head coach Sanjay Bangar confirmed that Topley has been ruled out of the 2023 IPL and will travel back to England.

Topley bowled only two overs for RCB against Mumbai Indians, but he took an early wicket of Cameron Green, leaving the five-time champions reeling.

Topley then dislocated his right shoulder while fielding against the MI.

“Reece, unfortunately, had to go back home, he has been ruled out of the tournament. We tried to keep him here, but unfortunately, the scans suggested he might be out for a considerable period of time.”

“So we will seek a replacement soon,” Sanjay Bangar said.

After losing by a big margin against KKR, RCB will turn their attention towards KL Rahul’s Lucknow Super Giants, with the two sides set to lock horns at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on April 10.