Revealed: Here's Why RCB Fast Bowler Kane Richardson Pulled Out Of IPL 2020

Australia leg-spinner Adam Zampa replaced his teammate and fast bowler Kane Richardson for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) ahead of the IPL 2020. The later replacement might work as a blessing in disguise for the RCB franchise as in the slow wickets at UAE spinner Adam Zampa could turn out to be a handful.

The franchise took to twitter to notify that Kane Richardson has pulled out of their squad as his wife is expecting the birth of their first child. “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 said.

Cricket Australia said that Richardson will forgo his fresh $816k (AUD) contract with the star-studded RCB and instead head home to Adelaide to be with his wife Nyki for the birth of his first child when Australia’s limited-overs tour of England concludes later this month.

“We are disappointed to not have Kane’s skills with us this IPL as he’s certainly on top of his game,” RCB’s coach Mike Hesson said.

“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 their first child.

“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.”

Meanwhile, Zampa is the second Australian to receive a late IPL call-up after fast bowler Daniels Sam was named as the replacement for England’s Jason Roy in the Delhi Capitals squad for the upcoming season.

Richardson has played 18 matches in the T20s and picked up 19 wickets at an average over 26.