Topley was helped off the field following an injury which he picked up when fielding during RCB’s season opener against Mumbai Indians at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Sunday (April 2).
Topley appeared to have injured his shoulder and knee during the 8th over of the Mumbai innings. The England pacer only bowled 2 overs against MI, picking up one wicket for 14 runs.
David Willey replaced his compatriot in the RCB playing 11 against Kolkata Knight Riders on Thursday (April 6) at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. But during the match, the head coach confirmed to Star Sports that the lanky pacer has flown back home and will miss the season.
RCB director of cricket Mike Hesson had earlier told he was hopeful the English pacer Topley would be alright and join the camp again as he gave an update on the injury a day after the Mumbai Indians match.
“Unfortunately his knee dug into the ground and he landed on his shoulder and dislocated it. It was lucky enough (for us) that the doctors were able to pop it back in,” Hesson told RCB’s YouTube channel.
“He is off to have a scan at the moment. We hope that the initial reports come back nicely and Reece can join us. (But) if not then we will have to see what happens, but hopefully he is alright,” he added.
RCB had already received blows with regards to injuries as England batter Will Jacks and Indian batter Rajat Patidar were ruled out of the tournament. While they named New Zealand’s Michael Bracewell as Jacks’ replacement, they have not named a replacement for Patidar.
The RCB head coach Bangar, however, added that the Bangalore-based side will sign a replacement for Topley very soon and also revealed when Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga and Australia’s Josh Hazlewood will join up with the squad.
When will Hasaranga and Hazlewood joing RCB camp?
RCB head coach Bangar has confirmed that Hasaranga will arrive by April 10 after Sri Lanka’s international assignments in New Zealand, while Hazlewood will join the Royal Challengers by April 14.
Bangar, however, added that Hazlewood, who has been nursing an injury, will need some time to be match-fit and most likely be available to play for RCB from April 17.
