IPL rivalries will resume on Sunday in the United Arab Emirates after a Covid-enforced break. And while fans will be eager to see cricket’s top guns to battle once again, the tournament will be played without a host of top international stars. England stars including Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan, Jofra Archer and Chris Woakes will not be taking part while Australia fast bowler Pat Cummins will also be a marquee absentee. On Saturday, a list of all the players who will be missing the tournament and their replacements was released in an IPL Media Advisory.
With Jonny Bairstow pulling out, SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) have a batting dilemma and have replaced him with Sherfane Rutherford. Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals (RR) have replaced Jos Buttler with Evin Lewis. Also, Glenn Phillips has been roped in by RR, and he will fill in the void left by Jofra Archer.