Royal Challengers Bangalore have brought in three new players ahead of the second phase of the Indian Premier League. Sri Lanka all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga, pacer Dushmantha Chameera and Singapore all-rounder Tim David have been added to the RCB squad as replacements. Three Australians would be missing from the RCB squad when the season resumes in the UAE on September 19. Adam Zampa, Kane Richardson and Daniel Sams had flown back home in May in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. New Zealand wicketkeeper-batsman Fin Allen will also be on international duty and hence would be unavailable for IPL 2021

IPL 2021 had been halted in May after several cases of COVID-19 were reported inside the bio-bubble. The marquee tournament has now been moved to the UAE, where the remaining 31 matches will be played starting September 19.

Sri Lankan spinner Wanidu Hasaranga was roped in by the Royal Challengers Bangalore as a replacement for leggie Adam Zampa. The club made the announcement on its official social handles.

Hasaranga was the Player of the Series in the recently concluded T20 series between India and Sri Lanka. He had picked 7 wickets in 3 matches at an economy rate of 5.58.

Dushmantha Chameera, the Sri Lankan fast bowler, replaces Daniel Sams. Tim David has been roped in place of Finn Allen.

The side has also announced that Mike Hesson would be the head coach for the remainder of the season as Simon Katich had stepped down due to personal reasons.

The Indian players, support staff and the team management will be assembling in Bengaluru on August 21 following which the team will undergo a seven-day quarantine.

They will also undergo COVID tests thrice days during the period.

The team will then depart via a chartered flight from Bangalore August 29. The other international players and staff will assemble in the UAE starting August 29 onwards. There will be another six days of quarantine in the UAE.