Xtra Time Web Desk: Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore on Monday named Kedar Jadhav as a replacement for David Willey. The England pacer injured his toe while batting against Kolkata Knight Riders on Wednesday. He has flown back to the UK. RCB said on their social media handles confirmed that his toe was fractured, and that Willey had also suffered an adductor strain.
For 28-year-old Jadhav, it was a surprise call-up after finding no takers at the IPL 2023 mega auctions. A veteran of 93 IPL games, Jadhav was part of Maratha commentary team in ongoing IPL season.
The cricketer from Maharashtra has scored 1196 runs at a strike rate of 123.17. A part-time offspinner with a low, slingy action, Jadhav has 27 ODI wickets and four in T20s, but has never bowled in the IPL. He also had a successful 2022-23 domestic season, where he scored 555 runs in six innings at an average of 92.50 for Maharashtra in the Ranji Trophy.
The Bangalore franchise have suffered several injuries this season. The likes of Will Jacks, Rajat Patidar and Reece Topley were previously ruled out of IPL 2023. Josh Hazlewood was not available for the first eight games of their season. And now this injury to David Willey.