Royal Challengers Bangalore have acquired the services of Michael Bracewell as a replacement for batter Will Jacks for the 16th edition of the Indian Premier League. 

The England all-rounder was bought in the mini auction for INR 3.2 Crores as a cover for Glenn Maxwell, who suffered a freak injury in December 2022. 

However, Jacks also suffered a leg injury and missed the white-ball series against Bangaldesh away from home. 

While there were doubts surrounding his participation in the IPL, it was confirmed that he will need significant time to recover and was ruled out of the extravaganza. 

His replacement, Michael Bracewell has played 16 T20Is, scoring 113 runs and scalping 21 wickets for BlackCaps. He went unsold in the auction and will make his maiden appearance for the Challengers at his base price of INR 1 Crore. 

Meanwhile, Rachin Ravindra will join the New Zealand squad for the ODI squad against Sri Lanka as a replacement for Bracewell, who will join the Challengers camp after the Test series to prepare for the tournament.

“Michael’s been a key contributor to our white ball teams since making his debut last year. It’s exciting he’ll get a chance to take up the learning opportunities the IPL provides - particularly as a spin bowling all-rounder. With a World Cup in India this year it’s great to have players getting more experience in those conditions,” head coach Gary Stead stated. 

Royal Challengers Bangalore will open their campaign against the Mumbai Indians on April 2 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.