IPL 2018: 5 players who can be a replacement for injured players

IPL is undoubtedly the flagship T20 Cricket tournament on the globe. The mega cricket carnival which spans almost a couple of months always brings injuries to few important players of the franchises. These injuries result in the teams losing their balance and disturbing the confidence ahead of the cricketing fest.

Getting a like-for-like replacement for the injured players is not an easy task; it is a cutthroat task to do. The franchises always have a number of options from the pool of unsold player to include as substitutes for the injured players.

Here are 5 players that can be added as the potential replacement for injured players.

Note: All stats are accurate as of 8 March 2018.

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#5 Ish Sodhi

Wrist Spinners are right up at the top. The presence of a wrist spinner in a limited-overs squad renders it a more dimensioned and well-organised structure. With the ability to take wickets at regular intervals, Ish Sodhi is one of the best leg-spinners in the world at the moment. This is the reason why Ish Sodhi remaining unsold was one of the biggest surprises of the IPL Auction 2018.

With 102 wickets in 92 games, Ish Sodhi is right there at the top along with the best bowlers in the format. His wicket-taking ability does not hinder his economy which is an acceptable 7.66. His record gets even better on the international stage with 36 wickets in 26 games.

He is a big turner of the cricketing ball and also does not deter from trusting the flight, making him an impact performer and a wicket-taker.

The franchises which happen to lose their spinners to some injury should definitely look up to Sodhi as a potential replacement.

#4 Josh Hazlewood

The Australian has been mighty effective for the national side

Josh Hazlewood may not be a prominent name in the shortest format, he is definitely effective. The Australian fast bowler uses accuracy as his main weapon. He bowls at the perfect line and length and never compromises with the same.

Often hailed as the heir to Australian great McGrath, Hazlewood was an integral part of Australia's 2015 World Cup winning squad.

With 37 wickets in 30 games, Hazlewood's numbers might not sound same as some of the greats in the format, but he is certainly not one who can be simply written-off.

Hazlewood has the ability to lead the bowling attack from the front. He also can jolt the opposition by picking wickets right at the start of the innings.

#3 Martin Guptill

Martin Guptill can provide a quick start at the top

This destructive New Zealand opener brings a lot to the table. With the knack of providing aggressive starts at the top and then converting them into big ones, Martin Guptill becomes an obvious pick. He recently surpassed former team-mate, Brendon McCullum to top the list of the highest run scorers for New Zealand in the shortest format.

Martin Guptill also keeps his energy level high on the field with his ultra quick reflexes and a bullet arm. Though it was really shocking to see Guptill remain unsold, he still can make it to the cash-rich league as he might be on the radar of multiple franchises.

#2 Hashim Amla

Hashim Amla is a modern day great

Hashim Amla is perhaps the unluckiest of all the 578 players who went under the hammer. Despite having a brilliant season with the bat in IPL 2017, Hashim Amla did not find any buyer.

Playing for the Kings XI Punjab in the previous season, the right-handed batsman scored 420 runs at a great average of 60 and a devastating strike rate of 145.83. He scored a little more than 62% of his total runs in boundaries.

The South African can be drafted as a replacement for any player as he can open the batting and can regularly provide steady starts.

#1 Joe Root

Joe Root is a potential captaincy candidate as well

Joe Root is one name who is right at the top with the likes of Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson and Steve Smith. Root can not only provide stability to the batting order, he can also lead the team from the front.

Someone who has perfected the art of getting the best game out in pressure situations, Joe Root can certainly replace any injured player. Teams like KKR which are already in doubt over the fitness of their mainstays like Chris Lynn can opt for the England Test captain as an able replacement.

Root has a great record at the international level as he has scored 743 runs in the format at a healthy average of 39.10 and a healthy strike rate of 128.76.