IPL 2021: Rajasthan Royals Rope In Young Proteas Pacer Gerald Coetzee As Liam Livingstone's Replacement

Inaugural IPL champions Rajasthan Royals have named South African pacer, Gerald Coetzee, as the replacement of England all-rounder Liam Livingstone for the remainder of the 14th season of the Indian Premier League.

The 20-year-old tear-away pacer from South Africa, Gerald Coetzee may have played just 6 First-Class, 6 List-A, and 8 T20 games since making his domestic debut in 2018 but during the short span of his career has earned huge plaudits from champion pacers like Alan Donald and Dale Steyn.

Coetzee’s signing comes after Liam Livingstone pulled out of the season citing bio-bubble fatigue issues to become another overseas recruit that the Rajasthan Royals have lost this year.

Coetzee, who has represented South Africa in the last two U-19 World Cups in 2018 and 2020, has become the second replacement that Rajasthan Royals have had to seek after they signed his compatriot Rassie van der Dussen earlier this week.

Rassie van der Dussen has been roped in as a replacement for England all-rounder Ben Stokes, who had been ruled out of the season following an injury he suffered while catching Chris Gayle in the Royals’ opening game against Punjab Kings.

Gerald Coetzee has thus far played eight T20 matches and has taken nine wickets at an average of 23.33 and an economy rate of 7.68.

Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals are currently languishing at the 7th spot in the points table with just two wins in six matches. Their last encounter will be against fellow strugglers SunRisers Hyderabad in Delhi on May 02.