After many delays, the much-awaited IPL 2020 is all set to commence from September 19th in UAE, with the final being locked on November 10th. Almost all franchises have flagged off their tournament preparations, sweating it out in outdoor training and getting in shape before the T20 extravaganza unfolds.

Ahead of the start of this year’s IPL, Royal Challengers Bangalore replaced pacer Kane Richardson with leg-spinner Adam Zampa. RCB shared a picture of Zampa in RCB colours while announcing his signing. Zampa, the only spinner to pick six wickets in an IPL match, will be vital for the Bangalore franchise on the UAE soil. The Australian had registered figures of 6/19 against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2016 edition.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Adam Zampa in RCB colours. He replaces Kane Richardson. Let’s #PlayBold Adam Zampa. #PlayBold #IPL2020 #WeAreChallengers” announced RCB on Monday. Kane and his wife are expecting the birth of their first child and hence, he has pulled out of the tournament. Zampa, who had a base price of INR 1.50 crore, was unsold in the IPL 2020 auction.

We’re thrilled to welcome Adam Zampa in RCB colours. He replaces Kane Richardson. Let’s #PlayBold Adam Zampa. 🤜🤛#PlayBold #IPL2020 #WeAreChallengers pic.twitter.com/63rnT8SvSV

— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) August 31, 2020

Adam Zampa holds the record of dismissing Kohli 7 times in 21 matches

Zampa’s inclusion will bolster RCB’s spin attack, which already has the likes of Yuzvendra Chahal, Washington Sundar, Pawan Negi, Moeen Ali and Shahbaz Ahmed. Talking about Zampa’s IPL career, he has played for the now-defunct Rising Pune Supergiant in 2016 and 2017, picking up 19 wickets in 11 matches.

Interestingly, Zampa also holds an impressive record against RCB skipper Virat Kohli. The leg-spinner has dismissed Kohli seven times in 21 matches. Considering the UAE conditions, the inclusion of Zampa might prove useful for RCB who are yet to lift their maiden IPL trophy.

RCB, during the IPL 2020 auction, had bought eight players including Kane Richardson. They had also snapped up Australia’s Aaron Finch for a hefty sum of INR 4.4 crore and South Africa’s Dale Steyn for INR 2.2 crore.

Both Zampa and Finch are in Australia’s squad for the limited-overs squad against England. After wrapping up the series, they’ll board the flight to UAE and join the RCB squad. Donning the Australia jersey in 55 ODIs and 30 T20Is, Zampa has picked up 75 and 33 wickets respectively. He was last seen in action during Australia’s series against New Zealand in March 2020.