Published: Apr 28, 2016, 11:53 PM (IST)
Edited: Apr 29, 2016, 12:01 AM (IST)
Pune: Australia’s batting sensation Usman Khawaja has replaced injured South African Faf du Plessis for Rising Pune Supergiants. “One of our mainstays Du Plessis has injured his finger during the course of the last match and has returned to South Africa for further treatment. We wish him speedy recovery,” coach Stephen Fleming said in a statement. “We are glad to have roped in Usman Khawaja in the team. His presence will definitely be an advantage to the team and could be pivotal in bolstering the position of the side in the tournament,” he added. Khawaja, who also opens for Australia, has been in great form in the T20 format with his exploits in the Big Bash League. PREVIEW: Rising Pune Supergiants vs Gujarat Lions, IPL 2016, Match 25 at Pune, Preview: RPS look to avenge earlier defeat
He was also the leading run-scorer for Australia in the recently-concluded World T20, averaging 35.75 with a top score of 58. “His imperious form for the Sydney Thunders in the Big Bash League victory last season and being the leading run-scorer for Australia, for the recently-concluded World T20, has made us sit up and notice. His style of play is perfect for the T20 format,” Fleming said.
South African T20 skipper Faf du Plessis has been ruled out of IPL 2016 due to broken finger for 6 weeks. He went on to social media to express his injury mentioning, “And so my Ipl tournament unfortunately comes to and end.Broken finger and out for 6 weeks.Thanx India and @RPSupergiants it’s been fun.” He also thanked RPS for the journey so far. Du Plessis has garnered 206 runs from 6 matches played so far with two consecutive half-centuries. This is the second player to quit from RPS after Kevin Pietersen.
