IPL 2019: KKR lose another seamer as Anrich Nortje ruled out due to injury

He is the third seamer after Kamlesh Nagarkoti and Shivam Mavi to be ruled out from the upcoming season of the cash-rich tournament

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) has yet again been troubled by the injury bug as South African speedster Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the Indian Premier League 2019 due to a shoulder injury. He is the third seamer after youngsters Kamlesh Nagarkoti and Shivam Mavi to be ruled out from the upcoming season of the cash-rich tournament.

Nortje, who was bought by the KKR his base price of INR 20 lakh, took to official Twitter handle to confirm the development on Wednesday. With a heavy heart, he wished the Knight for a successful season.

Here’s the post:

Unfortunately due to a shoulder injury I've had to pull out of the @IPL. I wish @KKRiders all the best and bring the trophy back home!! #KKRHaiTaiyaar

— Anrich Nortje (@AnrichNortje02) March 20, 2019

The 25-year-old grabbed the limelight with his performance in the last year’s Mzansi Super League. He scalped eight wickets from three games at an average of 6.91. His ability to deliver at higher pace caught the eyes of KKR scouts.

He recently made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka where he finished with 8 wickets from four games at an impressive average of 18.75. He was also named in the squad for the three-match T20I series but couldn’t take the field in the opener at Newlands on Tuesday.

Nortje’s replacement is yet to be announced while the franchise has already called up Sandeep Warrier and KC Cariappa as replacements for Mavi and Nagarkoti. The Knights are now left with a 20-member squad.

The Dinesh Karthik-led side is scheduled to kickstart their campaign in IPL 2019 against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Eden Gardens on March 24