RCB gets world no. 2 ranked T20I bowler on board for IPL 2021

Bengaluru: Royal Challengers Bangalore have signed Sri Lankan leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera and Singapore's Tim David ahead of the UAE leg of IPL 2021, the franchise announced on Wednesday.

Hasaranga replaced Australia’s Adam Zampa, while David came in as a replacement for New Zealand’s Finn Allen and Sri Lanka’s Dushmantha Chameera replaced Daniel Sams of Australia.

The franchise also informed that their head coach Simon Katich has stepped down from his post due to "personal reasons" and Mike Hesson will step in and discharge the duties of head coach for this season, in addition to his existing role of Director of Cricket Operations, RCB.

The Indian players, support staff and the team management will be assembling in Bengaluru on August 21 following which the team will undergo a seven-day quarantine. They will also undergo Covid tests thrice days during the period.

The team will then depart via a chartered flight from Bangalore on August 29. The other international players and staff will assemble in the UAE starting August 29 onwards. There will be another six days of quarantine in the UAE.

"We have made some changes to the squad pertaining to the situation. We have come a long way and have shown steady progress as a team," Hesson said.

"The addition of Wanindu Hasaranga, Tim David and Dushmantha Chameera couldn’t have come at a better time during the replacement window, as we aim to continue with the momentum, building on our performance from earlier this year," he added.

Royal Challengers Bangalore resume Season 14 of the IPL on September 20 as they square off against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.(UNI)