IPL 2022 / Bad news for Delhi Capitals, South African star bowler may be out of IPL season

The 15th season of IPL will start from March 26. Before the start of the tournament, bad news came for the team of Delhi Capitals. South Africa's star fast bowler Anrich Nortje may be ruled out of the entire IPL season. According to a South African newspaper, Nortje is struggling to recover from the injury. He was retained by the Delhi team for Rs 6.5 crore.

According to the report, Nortje has not started the practice yet. His hip injury has not healed yet. He is currently in contact with three surgeons. South African medical officer Suhaib Manjra said, “Nortje is in contact with three orthopedic surgeons. His rehabilitation process is going on. I think it's disappointing for them. They are working very hard to recover. Everything is fine, but when they start running to bowl, they have trouble. He has three different problems in his back and hip. We don't know who is primary."

This week Cricket South Africa announced the team for the three-match series against Bangladesh. Cricket South Africa's selection committee official Victor Mpitsang told ESPNcricinfo that Nortje is difficult to play in the IPL. He has not been bowling consistently since last November. There is no time limit set for their return. This may take a long time. The medical team will take the final decision on his decision to play in the IPL.

Why is Nortje important for Delhi?

Nortje has done exceptionally well for Delhi in the last two seasons. Before the IPL auction, Delhi Capitals retained four players. Apart from skipper Rishabh Pant, opener Prithvi Shaw and left-arm spin bowler Axar Patel, pacer Anrich Nortje was also retained by the team. He has taken 34 wickets in 24 IPL matches for Delhi at an economy rate of 7.65.

However, despite Nortje's departure, Delhi's bowling attack will remain strong. He has Mitchell Marsh, Shardul Thakur, Mustafizur Rahman, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Khaleel Ahmed, Chetan Sakaria and Lungi Ngidi fit and ready to play. Delhi Capitals has not yet given any official information regarding Nortje's injury.

Delhi Capitals squad for IPL 2022: Rishabh Pant, Axar Patel, Prithvi Shaw, Anrich Nortje, David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Shardul Thakur, Mustafizur Rahman, Kuldeep Yadav, Ashwin Hebbar, Sarfaraz Khan, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, KS Bharat, Mandeep Singh , Khaleel Ahmed, Chetan Sakaria, Lalit Yadav, Ripple Patel, Yash Dhul, Rovman Powell, Praveen Dubey, Lungi Engidi, Tim Seifert, Vicky Ostwal.