Pace department dealt of KKR with blow as injury-prone Anrich Nortje out of action again
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have received a significant setback as South African pacer Anrich Nortje has been ruled out due to a fractured toe. Nortje, who was acquired for ₹6.50 crore in the IPL 2024 auction, will miss the remainder of South Africa’s ODI series and T20Is against Pakistan. This injury marks the second time in 15 months that he has faced a major setback.
Reports indicate that Nortje suffered the fracture on his left foot, which was initially described as a contusion. After missing the opening T20I, scans confirmed the fracture, and he is set to consult an orthopedic specialist to assess his recovery timeline. DayyaanGaliem has been named as his replacement for the remaining T20Is.
Nortje’s absence is particularly concerning for KKR, who lack experienced pacers in their squad. The team relies on relatively inexperienced bowlers like HarshitRana and Vaibhav Arora. Nortje had recently completed a move from Delhi Capitals to KKR after being released ahead of the IPL 2025 auction.
Despite not having played an international match since the T20 World Cup final against India earlier this year, Nortje was expected to play a crucial role in South Africa’s plans for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He had previously been sidelined for nine months due to a stress fracture but made his return during IPL 2024.