Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 campaign has taken a big hit because the star player they bought at auction, England’s Will Jacks, won’t be able to play, know about hisย replacement
According to ESPNcricinfo, Jacks has withdrawn from the IPL due to concerns over an injury he sustained while fielding for England in the second ODI of the three-match series against Bangladesh, causing him to worry. Scans showed that the muscle injury was real, and after talking with a specialist, Jacks decided not to play in the IPL.
Who will be the replacement of Will Jacks in IPL 2023 as injury forces RCB player to withdraw from tournament
At the IPL 2023 auction in December, Jacks was bought by RCB for a large amount of INR 3.2 crore. The team had him play in the middle order to cover for Glenn Maxwell. So far, the English batter has only played six games for his country and scored 156 runs.
Will Jacks, who was signed by RCB for INR 3.2 crore, has been ruled out of #IPL2023 due to injury.
ESPNcricinfo understands New Zealand allrounder Michael Bracewell has been lined up as a potential replacement
๐ https://t.co/hNPeQ8KMr8 pic.twitter.com/JOOTcV6eyd
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) March 15, 2023
Losing Jacks is definitely bad for RCB, and they will have to rethink their plan for the tournament. The team has always been one of the best-known and most successful in the IPL, but they have never won the championship. Even though losing Jacks could put them behind, they will still try to compete at the highest level because they are working on a replacement.
RCB in talks with Michael Bracewell as replacement for Will Jacks
Michael Bracewell, an all-rounder from New Zealand, is in talks with RCB’s management to replace Jacks. Bracewell didn’t get bought at last year’s auction, so he hasn’t played in the IPL yet. However, he could be a good addition to the RCB team as they prepare for their first game of the season on April 2 against Mumbai Indians.
The IPL is a very competitive tournament with some of the best players in the world. Teams always have to worry about injuries, and RCB will have to work hard to make sure they have a balanced team that can handle the tournament. They will be counting on Bracewell to step up and help the team reach its goals.
RCB squad ready for IPL 2023 opener against Mumbai Indians
Faf du Plessis, who is captain, Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, Mohammad Siraj, Harshal Patel, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dinesh Karthik, Shahbaz Ahmed, Rajat Patidar, Anuj Rawat, Akash Deep, Josh Hazlewood, Mahipal Lomror, Finn Allen, Suyash Prabhudessai, Karn Sharma, Siddharth Kaul, David Willey.
Virat Kohliโs pep talk to the RCB Womenโs Team
King came. He spoke. He inspired. Heโd be proud watching the girls play the way they did last night. Watch @imVkohli's pre-match chat in the team room on Bold Diaries.#PlayBold #เฒจเฒฎเณเฒฎRCB #WPL2023 pic.twitter.com/fz1rxZnID2
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) March 16, 2023
It’s still too early to tell how RCB will do without Jacks, but the team hopes to do well and finally win the IPL trophy. The tournament starts on March 29, and RCB plays its first game on April 2 against the Mumbai Indians.
To know more about RCB, do follow The SportsGrail on a regular and frequent basis.
ALSO READ: Gavi Barcelona contract details, length, buyout clause, salary and net worth