Replacement for Mujeeb in KKR named as Ghazanfar for IPL 2024; Maharaj joins RR replacing Prasidh

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have roped in young Afghanistan off-spinner Allah Ghazanfar as a replacement for the injured Mujeeb Ur Rahman. Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals (RR) have signed South Africa’s left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj for the injured Prasidh Krishna. Ghazanfar, 16, has represented Afghanistan in two ODIs this year and played in the U19 World Cup in South Africa. He joins KKR for his base price of INR 20 lakh. Maharaj, on the other hand, has an impressive track record in international cricket and will now play for RR for his base price of INR 50 Lac.

Ghazanfar, who was the youngest player in the 2023 IPL player auction at 15, went unsold in December 2022. He has played in three T20s and six List A matches, picking up five and four wickets respectively. With his experience in international cricket, Maharaj brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to the RR team. He has played in 27 T20Is, 44 ODIs, and 50 Tests, and has taken 237 wickets. Additionally, Maharaj has featured in 159 T20s, claiming 130 wickets and showing his ability to contribute with the bat as well.

Krishna, who recently underwent surgery on his left proximal quadriceps tendon, is currently in recovery and will miss this year’s IPL. This unfortunate injury has paved the way for Maharaj to showcase his talent with RR. The left-arm spinner had been training with Lucknow Super Giants in the ongoing competition before joining RR. Both Ghazanfar and Maharaj will look to make a significant impact for their respective teams in the upcoming matches.

It is evident that KKR and RR have made strategic decisions to bolster their squads with these talented replacements. Ghazanfar and Maharaj will aim to make the most of this opportunity and contribute positively to the success of their teams in the IPL. Fans can look forward to watching these skilled players in action as they strive to make a mark in the world of cricket.