RR sign Gerald Coetzee as replacement for Liam Livingstone

Rajasthan Royals (RR) have roped in South Africa pacer Gerald Coetzee to replace England all-rounder Liam Livingstone for the rest of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 season. Livingstone left the country, citing bubble fatigue. In his absence, RR had exactly four overseas players - David Miller, Jos Buttler, Chris Morris and Mustafizur Rahman in their squad.  

However, with the addition of Coetzee, they have another option on the bench.  20-year-old Coetzee has played eight T20 matches and has picked up nine wickets at 23.33. He has also represented South Africa in two Under-19 World Cups. Rassie Van der Dussen was to join the side for the injured Ben Stokes, but despite procuring a visa to fly to India, he has not received a NOC from Cricket South Africa (CSA), which could prevent him from joining RR for the rest of the season, according to a report on ESPNCricinfo.

RR, who are currently placed seventh in the IPL 2021 table, do not have the services of their talismanic Engish duo of Jofra Archer and Stokes, who are unavailable due to injuries. Rajasthan finished at the bottom of the table in IPL 2020 and splashed a lot of cash in the auction, which included the purchase of Morris for a record INR 16.25 crore. 

In a bid to get back to winning ways, RR take on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Sunday (May 2)