Desert Vipers have been dealt an injury blow in the ILT20, with Shimron Hetmyer ruled out for the remainder of the season after suffering a hamstring strain. The West Indies batter picked up the injury during Vipers’ recent clash against Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, forcing the franchise to move quickly in securing cover ahead of the business end of the tournament.
Hetmyer featured in all seven of Vipers’ matches this season but struggled to find sustained form. He scored 111 runs from six innings at an average of 18.50, though his impact remained evident through a brisk strike rate of 160.86. His standout contribution came against the Knight Riders on December 5, when he blasted 48 from just 25 deliveries, offering a glimpse of the firepower he brings at his best.
To fill the void, Vipers have turned to experienced former England batter Jason Roy, who arrives with recent match practice and familiarity with the league. Roy joins the ILT20 following a short stint in the Nepal Premier League with Pokhara Avengers, where he scored 68 runs at an average of 34. Prior to that, he captained Royal Champs in the Abu Dhabi T10. He is no stranger to the ILT20 either, having previously represented both Abu Dhabi Knight Riders and Sharjah Warriorz, scoring 298 runs in 12 matches for the latter.
Vipers’ Director of Cricket Tom Moody admitted the disappointment of losing Hetmyer, but expressed confidence in the replacement. He highlighted Roy’s deep understanding of the format, his flexibility across the batting order, and his recent playing time as key factors that made him an ideal fit.
Despite the setback, Vipers remain in a commanding position at the top of the standings, with six wins from seven matches. Their narrow one-run defeat to Knight Riders earlier this week marked their first loss of the season after an impressive six-game winning streak. They return to action on Sunday evening against Sharjah Warriorz in Dubai, where Roy is set to be available as Vipers look to maintain their momentum in the title race.
