Aussies to make up for Sri Lankans' departure

However, a host of Australian players will join their teams this week after the one-day series against Bangladesh.

The big loss from the exit of Sri Lankan players will hit Deccan Chargers and new entrants Kochi Tuskers, who are led by Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene respectively. Besides, Tillakaratne Dilshan (Royal Challengers), Angelo Mathews (Pune Warriors), Lasith Malinga (Mumbai Indians), Suran Randiv and Nuwan Kulasekara (Chennai Super Kings), Thisara Perera (Kochi Tuskers) and Nuwan Pradeep (Royal Challengers) are the other Sri Lankan players in the league.

All of them play a key role in the ten IPL teams and their absence will be missed. Sri Lankan Sports Minister Mahinadananda Althugamage has asked the players to return by May 5 and prepare for the tour to England.

“On a recommendation made by the national selection committee, I have instructed the secretary of the board to inform the players to return by at least the May 5 to prepare for the tour,” Aluthgamage said on Tuesday.

Going by the current form of the Sri Lankans players, Mumbai Indians will be hurt the most as they will lose Malinga, who has been an important player in their two victories in as may matches. The express fast bowler took five wickets against Delhi Daredevils while he got another couple of wickets against RCB.

Deccan Chargers and Kochi will have to select two new leaders which means they may have to rethink their strategies and also get their balance right. The going has been tough for both teams so far.

Dilshan is a key player for RCB. The formidable opener is irreplaceable and will be sorely missed.

Australia’s three match ODI series against Bangladesh ends on Wednesday and ten players will join their IPL teams later this week.

KKR will benefit the most. They have there Australian players in wicketkeeper Brad Haddin and fast bowlers Brett Lee and James Pattinson.

KKR also have Bangl­adesh captain Shakib Al Hasan in the squad.

Michael Hussey will join the Super Kings while Shane Watson, who struck a record 15 sixes in an ODI, will add bite to the Rajasthan Royals batting.

All-rounder Cameron White will be an important addition to Deccan Chargers. Leg-spinner Steven Smith and all-rounder John Hastings will join Kochi Tuskers.