Thisara Perera went unsold in IPL Auction 2021. However, it seems like the former Sri Lankan all-rounder can return to the tournament in the second phase. The ambidextrous all-rounder, who bats left-handed and bowls right-arm, is now a member of the Barbados Royals in the Caribbean Premier League 2021.
Recently, Thisara Perera posted an Instagram story from the West Indies. In that story, he reposted an edited photo of himself wearing the Rajasthan Royals jersey. Now, this story has sparked the rumors that Perera will turn up for the Royals in the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League.
One of the main reasons that has given fuel to the rumors is that the Rajasthan Royals need a replacement. Their key players Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer are not expected to be available for the remainder of the competition. Hence, the Jaipur-based franchise will need some replacement players.
Thisara Perera can be an interesting signing because he is an ambidextrous all-rounder like Ben Stokes. However, unlike Stokes, Perera may not open the innings for the Rajasthan Royals. He will probably bat in the lower middle-order and bowl a few overs with the ball. He can partner with Chris Morris and Shivam Dube in the all-rounders’ section. Here is Perera’s Instagram story:
Announce Thisara Perera, @rajasthanroyals?#IPL2021 pic.twitter.com/Em3tJXe0Mf
— Subhayan Chakraborty (@CricSubhayan) August 24, 2021
Which teams has Thisara Perera played for in the IPL?
Thisara Perera has played for many teams in the IPL. He started with the Chennai Super Kings and then played for the Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings, Kochi Tuskers Kerala, Sunrisers Hyderabad and the Rising Pune Supergiant. If the Rajasthan Royals sign him, they will be the seventh team to acquire Perera’s services in the league.
Perera recently smashed six sixes in an over. He had represented the Sri Lankan cricket team in 84 T20I matches, scoring 1,204 runs, including three half-centuries.
