IPL 2023: Wayne Parnell to join RCB as Reece Topley's replacement, Vyashak comes in for Patidar

South Africa all-rounder Wayne Parnell will join the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) as a replacement for injured pacer Reece Topley in the IPL 2023 this week. Injury of England's Topley had left RCB without any recognised left-arm pacer in the squad.

The addition of left-arm pacer Parnell who has also scored 1887 runs at a strike rate of 123.65 is expected to give depth to the RCB line-up. Notably, the Bengaluru-based franchise are also waiting for the comeback of Josh Hazlewood who is recovering from his Achilles injury.

"Fearsome with the ball and fearless on the field! We don’t just call you lad Topley for nothing. Thank you for putting your body on the line and giving your 100%. We will miss you and wish you a speedy recovery, mate," RCB tweeted for the England pacer on Thursday.

He injured his shoulder while fielding in the match against five-time champions Mumbai Indians on Sunday. In the match, the 29-year-old bowled two overs for 14 runs and one wicket.

Parnell has previously represented the Delhi Capitals and Pune Warriors in the IPL. He will be playing under the captaincy of his compatriot Proteas batsman Faf du Plessis at the RCB.

Parenell last played an IPL match in 2014. Overall, he has featured in 26 matches of the cash-rich league and scored 63 runs at an average of 7. With the ball, he has picked 26 wickets at an average of 26.96 and an economy rate of 7.35.

He was part of Pretoria Capitals in the inaugural SA20 where he played nine matches to score 64 runs and pick 10 wickets. The flamboyant cricketer was last seen playing in South Africa's just-concluded white-ball series against the West Indies.

Vyashak Vijay Kumar replaces Rajat Patidar

Rajat Patidar, who has been ruled out of the entire season due at an Achilles injury, will be replaced by Vyashak Vijay Kumar. He is a 26-year-old medium-pacer who represents Karnataka in domestic cricket and has played 14 T20s, scalping 22 wickets and joins RCB for INR 20 Lakh.

RCB have played two matches so far. They won their opener aganinst Mumbai Indians (MI) by eight wickets. On Thursday, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) handed them a 81-run defeat at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.