Kolkata Knight Riders have to deal with another blow just before the start of the IPL as their South African Import Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the tournament. It is reminded that Shivam Mavi and Kamlesh Nagarkoti has also been ruled out, so KKR pace reserve has started to look very thin all of a sudden!
“Nortje sustained a right shoulder injury and will be sidelined for six weeks. Unfortunately this injury will rule him out of the upcoming IPL, but with the world cup in sight, it is important for us to make sure all of the world cup hopefuls will be fit for selection,’’ read a release from Cricket South Africa.
KKR had picked Nortje for his base price of 20 lakhs, in the auction. He has played four one day internationals for SA, which all came in the recently concluding series against Sri Lanka. The KKR team management has not announced a replacement yet.
The other franchise which has to deal with a major injury is Chennai Super Kings, their fast bowler Lungi Ngidi has also been ruled out of the IPL. Ngidi sustained a left side strain during the 5thODI against Sri Lanka recently.
He was retained by CSK after a splendid performance last season, he has suffered a grade 2 muscle strain and has been advised rest for four weeks.
“Lungi felt discomfort while bowling during the last ODI against Sri Lanka at Newlands and immediately stooped bowling. Further scans revealed a Grade 2 muscle strain which will need up to four weeks of rest followed by a rehab programme leading up to the world cup,” said the same release by the CSA.
Ngidi had recently come back from a knee injury. He was out for almost four months, didn’t play a single game. It remains to be seen if both these players get fit for the world cup, both are running against the time!
