IPL 2018: 5 players who can replace the banned Steve Smith in Rajasthan Royals

#2 Hashim Amla

Amla set his base prize at 1.5

crore

in the IPL auctions

Hashim Amla was first called as a replacement in IPL 2016 after Shaun Marsh pulled out midway due to injury. The South African soon left an impact as he shone with a 96-run spectacle against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

What was more noticeable about the knock was the fact that these runs were scored at a strike rate of over 170. This innings helped Amla untag himself as only a Test match batsman.

However, it was 2017 which proved to be a breakthrough year for Amla in the IPL as he scored 420 runs in 10 innings at an average of 60 and a strike rate over 140. This also included a 60-ball 104 against Mumbai Indians.

But it was probably his recent form which led the franchises not to consider him as he went unsold in this year’s auction. If given a chance, the Mighty Hash can take up opening duties for RR while Rahane can be slotted at No. 3.