Who Should Replace Reece Topley in RCB Squad For IPL 2023?

image-lg1z36rqTopley dislocated his shoulder during RCB's game against MI [Source: AP]

On Sunday, Faf du Plessis-led Royal Challengers Bangalore got an extraordinary start to their IPL 2023 campaign, defeating the five-time champions, Mumbai Indians, comprehensively by eight wickets. However, the franchise suffered a massive setback, with ace seamer Reece Topley being doubtful for the remainder of the tournament after dislocating his shoulder. 

The injury looked severe in real-time, and, in all probability, the English speedster will likely be ruled out of the entire tournament. In such a scenario, RCB must announce a suitable replacement for him, as they are already devoid of their primary bowling weapon, Josh Hazlewood. 

So, who can replace Topley in the RCB squad for the IPL 2023? As they have a quality new-ball operator in David Willey, they should bring someone who can be effective in slog-overs. So, here we list five names RCB can think of to replace Topley with. 


Gerald Coetzee

image-lg1yn1y6Gerald Coetzee starred with the ball for JSK in SA20 [Source: Twitter]

The South African speedster has had a prolific start to his international career, grabbing a million eyeballs through his pace and subtle movement. 

He can be lethal with the new as well as old ball. Also, his pace and the ability to hit the deck hard make him a real threat to the opposition across phases. 

In the recently concluded SA20 competition, Coetzee scalped 17 wickets at a stunning average of just 13.52 in nine appearances. 


Olly Stone

Besides being dead-accurate with his toe-crushing yorkers, the English pacer has the reputation of troubling batters with sheer pace. Despite playing alongside two finest craftsmen, Jofra Archer and Kagiso Rabada, Stone made his presence felt in the SA20, claiming crucial wickets whenever he got a chance. 


Luke Wood

image-lg1yqejyLuke Wood [Source: Twitter]

Another Englishman who can operate the new ball and contribute some handy runs down the order, Luke Wood has been an asset for several franchises in T20 leagues since making his debut. 

After having a string of impressive outings in the Hundred 2022, Wood became a household name during the Big Bash League 2022, scalping 20 wickets at a healthy strike rate of 8.85 in 14 outings for Melbourne Stars. 


Wayne Parnell

If RCB consider replacing Topley with an experienced campaigner, they might add Wayne Parnell to their squad, as the veteran Proteas cricketer can not only bowl across phases but also play handy cameos coming down the order. He could be the most ideal cover for David Willey, who plays a similar role for the side. 


Sean Abbott

image-lg1yr85qSean Abbott celebrating a dismissal [Source: Twitter]

In another possible move, RCB might have a look at the Australian bowling all-rounder Sean Abbott, who recently had an impressive tour of India. Abbott emerged as the most successful bowler in the BBL 2023, scalping 29 wickets in 15 matches at a superb economy of 7.44. 

Besides making the new ball talk, Abbott can be lethal on two-paced decks due to his ability of bowling onto the pitch. He can also offer the cushion of an extra batter in RCB's star-studded lineup.