IPL 2021: Really Miss Those Guys, Says Kumar Sangakkara On Stokes, Archer, Buttler Pull-Outs

England cricketers Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer and Jos Buttler will be missing in action for the Rajasthan Royals in the second phase of IPL 2021. The franchise has already named replacements but how the

"We've also had new signings in Shamsi, Evin Lewis, Glenn Phillips, Oshane Thomas and then Liam Livingstone is back which is a great thing. I think we have a really good squad which gives us the option of going with various combinations. I am happy to see that players are really looking forward to it," the Rajasthan Royals official said.

Sangakkara further added that he is eager to see how the Indian players in the team performed especially when some of the key names have struggled in the first phase of the tournament.

"I am really excited to see what players like (Anuj) Rawat, Mahipal (Lomror) can bring to the table – have to mention JD (Jaydev Unadkat) - he went through some difficult phases in his career – but the first half (of IPL 2021) he really stepped up with some performances. He also contributed once with the bat – his bowling was outstanding – goes to show he's got so much to offer – and very impressed with his kind of character and it's for everyone else to see that you can come back from a setback and keep doing well."

"I am also really excited to see the likes of KC Cariappa, Mayank Markande, Shreyas Gopal – who have all been great performers for their domestic teams. So all in all, we've got a great squad, I can't complain, and I'm excited to work with them," he added.

Asked about the chances Royals have in the second phase of the IPL, scheduled to being in Dubai from September 19, Sangakkara said, "What I want to see from the players is their best efforts – competing as hard and for as long as possible to create opportunities to take games and win games – that's the real key."

"I think the more we play our best cricket, the more we stick to our strategies and our plans as we've done our analysis – and are able to execute what the side needs, that's what I'm really looking at. If we can do that, the rest will take care of itself in terms of results and tables," he concluded.