Scott Kuggeleijn replaces Kane Richardson for RCB

Kiwi bowling all-rounder Scott Kuggeleijn replaced Kane Richardson as a overseas player for RCB. Head Coach Simon Katich confirmed the news in a dugout interview during the match between Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Kuggeleijn who was already a part of the IPL bio-bubble in Mumbai Indians camp as a reserve player, will now make the switch to RCB who are in need of a overseas player after the double exit by Zampa and Richardson.

RCB’s updated overseas players list after the exit of Kane Richardson and Adam Zampa is Finn Allen (New Zealand), AB de Villiers (South Africa), Daniel Sams (Australia), Glenn Maxwell (Australia), Daniel Christian (Australia), Kyle Jamieson (New Zealand) and Scott Kuggeleijn (New Zealand).

We have seen a glimpse of Scott Kuggeleijn in IPL when CSK got him in to fill the void left by the injured Dwayne Bravo. Kuggeleijn played just 2 matches and picked 2 wickets but it was too short a stint to make a judgement. He rose to spotlight when he played the 2020 edition of Caribbean Premier League where he picked 17 wickets in just 11 matches at an average of 15.64 for St Lucia Zouks.

Kuggeleijn seems well equipped with the ball at different stages of the innings – which makes him a captain’s dream. He is no muck with the bat and can make some handy contributions.

Kuggeleijn scored 729 runs in 120 matches at a strike rate of 131.58. He picked 118 wickets at an average of 28.67. The 29-year-old has played a couple of ODIs and 16 T20Is for New Zealand with his most recent appearance coming in December 2020.

RCB are currently ranked No.1 in the points table after their 1 run win against Delhi Capitals. RCB will face Punjab Kings in their next game in Ahmedabad on April 30.