The defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) faced a significant setback as their marquee pacer, Anrich Nortje, there is the big toe of his left foot is broken between South Africa‘s white-ball series Pakistan. Nortje has been picked up for INR 6.50 crore Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction, the rest of the T20I series as well as the ODI series against Pakistan are excluded. The injury, which was confirmed after scans following his absence from the opening T20I, has left KKR in a precarious position with regard to their pace attack for the upcoming season.
Injury details and recovery timeline
Nortje is expected to see an orthopedic specialist to assess the full extent of the injury and determine a timeline for his recovery. According to initial reports, the South African speedster may return to the sport in time ICC Champions Trophy 2025, his participation SA20 leagueStarted in January, is also under control. The injury follows Nortje’s previous setback – a stress fracture in 2023 that sidelined him for nine months before making a strong comeback in IPL 2024.
Potential impact on KKR’s bowling line-up
Nortje’s absence poses a significant challenge for KKR, especially given the relatively inexperienced pace attack at their disposal. Players like Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora, Spencer Johnson and Umran Malik lack the seasoned experience that Northje brings to the table. His ability to deliver fiery spells, especially in the death overs, was the cornerstone of KKR’s bowling strategy. Without him, the franchise will have to explore backup options or rely heavily on their young bowlers to fill the void.
Anrich Nortje’s IPL journey and role at KKR
A key performer in T20 cricket, Nortje has been a standout player in recent IPL seasons. Nortje, who moved to KKR from Delhi Capitals after being released by DC ahead of the IPL 2025 auction, was seen as a key part of KKR’s title defense plans. With his deadly pace and wicket-taking ability, he was expected to lead the bowling unit and provide stability to the team looking to build on their success in IPL 2024. His injury now creates a void that KKR may struggle to fill given their deficiencies. of experienced Indian or overseas pacers in their squad.
Also READ: 3 players who can captain Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL 2025
KKR’s 3 potential foreign pacer options if Anrich Nortje misses IPL 2025
With Nortje’s availability for IPL 2025 in doubt, Kolkata may have to explore potential overseas replacements to maintain a competitive bowling attack. Here are three options a franchisee can consider, all within Nortje’s base price of INR 2 crore:
1. Alzarri Joseph
- IPL career overview:
Alzarri Joseph made his debut in IPL 2019 and played 22 matches and took 21 wickets at an average of 32.90. His economy rate is 9.55 runs per over, his best bowling figures are 6/12, the best in IPL history. - 2024 IPL performance:
Joseph played just three games for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL 2024 and went wicketless in his last game. Despite his strong credentials, RCB dropped him ahead of the IPL 2025 auction as he did not perform so well in the 2024 edition. - Eligibility for KKR:
Joseph’s raw pace and ability to generate bounce make him an ideal candidate for KKR, especially on pace-friendly wickets during away games. Also, his previous experience in pressure situations could be valuable for KKR’s title defence.
2. Adam Milne
- IPL Career Overview:
Adam Milne, experienced New Zealand The pacer made his IPL debut in 2016. In 10 matches, he took 7 wickets at an average of 46.71 and an economy rate of 9.48. His best figures are 2/21. - Latest IPL Date:
Milne last played in IPL 2022 Chennai Super Kings (CSK) but not sold in subsequent auctions. He entered the IPL 2025 auction with a base price of INR 2 crore but failed to attract any bids. - Eligibility for KKR:
Milne’s ability to bowl at high pace and deliver deathly yorkers could make him a good fit. His international experience and ability to adapt to different conditions can complement KKR’s bowling line-up.
3. Navin-ul-Haq
- IPL career overview:
Navin-ul-Haq He made his debut in IPL 2023 and featured in 18 matches, averaging 25 wickets at an impressive 23.64. His economy rate is 9.16 and his best figures are 4/38. - 2024 IPL performance:
representing Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) In IPL 2024, Naveen showed consistency but despite his performances, he was released and remained unsold in the IPL 2025 auction at a base price of INR 2 crore. - Eligibility for KKR:
Naveen’s ability to swing the ball forward and deliver accurate slower deliveries in the death overs fits well with KKR’s tactical needs. His ability to take important wickets makes him a strong contender to fill Nortje’s spot.
 have encountered a significant setback ahead of the IPL 2025. Their marquee pacer from South Africa, Anrich Nortje has suffered a major injury.){kind=link}