Delhi Capitals Anrich Nortje doubtful for IPL 2022, not yet recovered from his injury: South African express pacer Anrich Nortje is highly doubtful for the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) as he hasn’t yet recovered from his hip injury. Nortje has not featured in any international game since the T20 World Cup 2021 in the UAE.
Delhi Capitals (DC) retained Anrich Nortje ahead of the Tata IPL 2022 Mega Auction for INR 6.5 Crore.
Owing to his hip injury, the speedster was ruled out of the Test series against New Zealand and India. The pacer hasn’t bowled since the 2021 edition’s T20 World Cup.
Nortje is also not named in South Africa’s ODI squad against Bangladesh, which is a clear indication of his slow recovery from a hip injury. Bangladesh is slated to tour South Africa for three ODIs and two test matches, tour starting on March 18.
It seems that the pacer won’t be able to recover on time to participate in the Tata IPL 2022, which will get underway on March 26.
“It’s probably going to be difficult [for Nortje to go to the IPL,” ESPNcricinfo quoted CSA’s selection convenor Victor Mpitsang as saying.
“He has not really been bowling much since November. We don’t have any timeframe on his return. It’s been a long one. The medical team will give advice on whether he will be cleared for the IPL.”
Nortje’s injury concern would be a major setback for the Delhi Capitals (DC) in the Tata IPL 2022. He was a key bowler who played a large role in Delhi Capital’s success in the last two editions.
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IPL bound 8 cricketers named in SA squad for ODIs:
Meanwhile, Cricket South Africa has also named its ODI squad for the three matches against Bangladesh. As many as 8 IPL bound players have been named in the squad.
The likes of Quinton de Kock, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Dwaine Pretorius and Rassie van der Dussein are selected for the ODI series which will start on March 18th. The final ODI will be held on March 23.
Following the completion of the three matches ODI series, South Africa and Bangladesh will play two test matches, starting March 31.
Earlier, South African test skipper Dean Elgar clearly stated that he will try to persuade its countrymen to prioritise test cricket over their IPL contracts. He further added that the upcoming challenge will examine South African players’ loyalty.
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