IPL-17: Buttler’s lose a big hole but Royals have back-up, says Riyan Parag

Riyan Parag acknowledges Jos Buttler's absence, but Rajasthan Royals have backup options; Punjab Kings face player absences.

Riyan Parag made no bones about the fact that Jos Buttler’s departure has left a gaping hole in the Rajasthan Royals line-up on the eve of the side’s IPL match against the Punjab Kings at the Barsapara Stadium here. Especially now, when the side needs a win to confirm its Playoffs spot.

However, in the same breath, he said RR isn’t one to be left with a dearth of backup options.

“TKC (Tom Kohler-Cadmore) is our backup and we’ve been practising with him. It was a big loss but I think we will deal with it. It was something that we knew before the season started,” Parag said.

That the side, with 16 points from 12 games, has now lost three matches on the spin hasn’t helped. Parag said, “We have tried to learn from every small mistake that we made.”

Kagiso Rabada and Liam Livingstone will be missing in action for Punjab Kings, assistant coach Brad Haddin confirmed. Their absence might open up the window for players, who haven’t got much game time this season, to get a look-in.

“Rabada’s gone home injured. Livingstone’s also been called back by the ECB. We’ll meet later to finalise the 11 or 12. It’s still another opportunity for the younger guys to develop.”