XtraTime Web Desk: Huge blow for KKR, as South Africa fast bowler and one of the star attractions of this season, Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of IPL 2019 due to a shoulder injury. His absence puts the pace department of Kolkata Knight Riders in a spot as the side already lost Kamlesh Nagarkoti and Shivam Mavi to injuries.
Speedster Sandeep Warrier and wrist-spinner K.C. Cariappa were the replacements for the pace duo, and now, Nortje’s injury calls for another quick in the mix. No replacements have been announced yet.
Nortje’s ability to clock 150 kmph sets him apart but the wear and tear is frequent. Nortje had missed part of the Mzansi Super League due to an ankle injury, and this was supposed to be his maiden IPL season.
The three games he played for Cape Town Blitz in Mzansi [where he claimed eight wickets] had an impact on KKR coach Jacques Kallis.
Nortje was picked at his base price of Rs 20 lakh at the auction in December.