IPL 2019: KKR sign Warrier, Cariappa as replacements for Nagarkoti and Mavi

Two-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Sunday announced Sandeep Warrier and KC Cariappa as replacements for the injured pace duo of Kamlesh Nagarkoti and Shivam Mavi in the upcoming edition of the league, starting March 23

A day after roping in Kerala fast bowler Sandeep Warrier, Kolkata Knight Riders on Monday signed up mystery spinner KC Cariappa. The duo have been picked up as the replacements for injured fast bowlers Kamlesh Nagarkoti and Shivam, both of whom were ruled out of IPL 2019.

Cariappa has scalped 25 wickets from 28 T20 games. This would be his second stint with KKR. He was picked in 2015 IPL Auctions for a whopping 2.4 crores by the Kolkata-based franchise but was fielding in the playing XI only once against Royal Challengers Bangalore. He then played a couple of seasons for Kings XI Punjab before going unsold last year. 

On the other hand, Warrier has 41 wickets to his name from 40 Twenty20 games at an economy of 7.09. He picked eight wickets in six games at an economy of 5.81 for Kerala recently in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament. Warrier was a part of RCB squad between 2013-15. 

Kolkata bowling coach Omkar Salvi felt Cariappa had "evolved into a much better bowler, which is why he's here". On Warrier, he said, "Our talent scouts have been watching players throughout and they recommended his name too. We are lucky to have lots of unique and versatile bowlers, there's a lot of variety in our attack."

While Nagarkoti was ruled out of this year's competition following a back injury, Mavi is out of the season due to a back stress fracture.

Both Nagarkoti and Mavi were picked up by KKR in IPL 2018 auctions for a base price of 3.2 crores and 3 crores respectively after they made a name for themselves in the U-19 World Cup 2018 with raw pace and movement. Both the right-arm quicks were pivotal in India’s triumph. While Mavi played a crucial role in KKR’s road to the play-offs, his partner Nagarkoti was ruled out of the previous season without paying a single match. Nagarkoti is currently at the NCA and would need another three-four months to regain his fitness

Karnataka fast bowler Prasidh Krishna was drafted in as Nagarkoti’s replacement and he has been signed as a permanent member this year.

Mavi, on the other hand, has been ruled out for at least six months because of a stress fracture in his back. He did not play a single match in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament for UP.

He had played 9 matches for KKR last season, picking up 5 wickets at an economy rate of 9.64.

KKR will begin their IPL 2019 campaign with a clash against the Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Eden Gardens on March 24.