IPL 2021: Rajasthan Royals' Jos Buttler to miss phase 2 in UAE; Glenn Phillips named as replacement

The countdown for the second phase of the IPL 2021 which will take place in the UAE has started to begin. While the first phase of the tournament was at its riveting best it is expected that there would be no shortage of entertainment in the second leg. A total of 31 games, including the playoffs, will be played in this phase of the tournament with a summit clash set to be played on October 15.

Jos Buttler set to miss phase 2 of IPL 2021

With less than one month remaining for the commencement of the second phase of IPL 2021, Rajasthan Royals has suffered a major blow as star batsman Jos Buttler has pulled out of the tournament as his wife Louise is pregnant and their baby is due during the marquee tournament itself.

The absence of Jos Buttler will have a huge impact on the Sanju Samson-led franchise as over the past few years the wicketkeeper-batsman has been the mainstay of the franchise’s batting line-up.

Jos Buttler, who is currently playing the Test series against India, had an impressive first half of the tournament as he scored 254 runs at an average of 36.28 to go with an impressive strike rate of 153.01. Apart from his staggering numbers, the right-handed batsman scored a blistering century against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

The franchise took to his official Twitter account and confirmed about the same and stated:

“Jos Buttler will not be part of the remainder of #IPL2021, as he and Louise are expecting a second child soon. We wish them well, and can’t wait for the newest member of the #RoyalsFamily,” RR tweeted.

Jos Buttler will not be part of the remainder of #IPL2021, as he and Louise are expecting a second child soon.

We wish them well, and can't wait for the newest member of the #RoyalsFamily. ? pic.twitter.com/rHfeQTmvvg

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) August 21, 2021

IPL 2021: RR name Glenn Philips named as a replacement for Jos Buttler

With Jos Buttler not being available for the rest of the IPL 2021, Rajasthan Royals have roped in Kiwi batsman Glen Phillips as a replacement. The right-handed batsman has represented New Zealand in 25 T20Is and has amassed 505 runs at an average and strike of 28.06 and 149.41 respectively to go with one century and two half-centuries.

Glenn Phillips, who will represent Barbados Tridents in the upcoming CPL 2021, has four T20 hundreds to his name at a staggering strike rate of 143.28. He was also one of the five batsman to amass over 200 runs in the Hundred tournament.

Here we go confirmed! ?

See you soon in Pink, Glenn. ?#HallaBol | #RoyalsFamily | #IPL2021 pic.twitter.com/ZBlV161oJf

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) August 21, 2021