Anrich Nortje doubtful starter for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2022
Anrich Nortje has been a consistent performer for Delhi Capitals in past two seasons.
In what comes as a terrible blow to Delhi Capitals, their prized asset Anrich Nortje appears to be a doubtful starter for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League. The Proteas pacer may miss half of the IPL or even the entirety of the tournament.
It is due to the fact that he is yet to recover from a hip injury that marred his playing time for the entire summer. Cricket South Africa’s selection convenor, Victor Mpitsang confirmed the development recently. This is indeed a big blow to Delhi Capitals’ bowling department.
Delhi Capitals retained the services of the Proteas pacer for Rs 6.5 crore ahead of the mega auction in Bengaluru. The hip injury kept him away from the game for a long time. He was also not part of the home Test and ODI series against the Indian national cricket team.
Big blow for Delhi Capitals
Anrich Nortje has been one of the consistent bowlers for Delhi Capitals in the last two seasons. As a result, Delhi Capitals didn’t let go of the pacer this time around. The DC management decided to let go of the other Proteas pacer Kagiso Rabada, who was sold to Punjab Kings for Rs 9.25 crore.
Nortje has bagged 34 wickets to his name in 24 IPL matches for Delhi Capitals. What sets him apart from most other bowlers is his ability to take wickets in crucial junctures without compromising on economy rate i.e. 7.65. Meanwhile, the pacer is also not included in the Proteas squad for the three-match ODI series against Bangladesh.
The ODI series starts from March 18 to 23 in Centurion and Johannesburg. CSA’s selection convenor, Victor Mpitsang, added that it would be difficult for Anrich Nortje to feature in the IPL 2022, which will begin on March 26.
“It’s probably going to be difficult [for Nortje to go to the IPL]. 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,” Mpitsang was quoted as saying in ESPNCricinfo.
