In what could be a major setback for the Delhi Capitals’ (DC) plans for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL 2022), CSA’s selection convenor, Victor Mpitsang, revealed that their premier pacer, Anrich Nortje of South Africa, may miss the majority, if not the entire tournament, due to a hip injury.
Nortje was one of the top bowlers for the IPL 2020 finalists Delhi Capitals in the previous two seasons. The Capitals kept four players, Rishabh Pant, Prithvi Shaw, Axar Patel, and Anrich Nortje, who would earn INR 6 crores in the forthcoming season, before the blockbuster auction. Nortje has 34 wickets for DC in 24 IPL games, with an economy rate of 7.65.
Nortje has also been left out of the Proteas team for the three-match ODI series against Bangladesh, which will be contested in Centurion and Johannesburg from March 18 to 23. Nortje will have a difficult time playing in the IPL 2022, which begins in less than three weeks, according to CSA selection convenor Victor Mpitsang.
“It will most likely be tough for Nortje to attend the IPL.” Since November, he hasn’t actually bowled much. We have no idea when he will return. It’s been a long time since we’ve seen each other. Mpitsang was reported on ESPNCricinfo as stating, “The medical staff will provide advise on whether he will be cleared for the IPL.”
We are unaware of the IPL. It’s Frustrating, I Guess: Shuaib Munjra, CSA Medical Officer, On Anrich Nortje
Nortje hasn’t played cricket in four months after developing hip difficulties during the T20 World Cup 2021 in the United Arab Emirates. Following that, he missed the home series against India and the overseas Tests against New Zealand due to a “chronic” hip issue. Nortje’s route to obtaining the appropriate fitness has also been “frustrating,” according to CSA Chief Medical Officer Dr. Shuaib Manjra.
“Right now, he’s being probed.” Three different orthopaedic doctors have examined him. He’s having trouble loading and completing the majority of the other rehab tasks. He will not be able to play in the Bangladesh series. We are unaware of the IPL. I suppose it’s aggravating. He stays in shape and works incredibly hard. Except for when he picks up his bowling gear, everything goes well. He’s in a bad mood. We’ve found three separate back and hip disorders, and we’re not sure which is the most serious,” Munjra added.
Nortje has joined the DC camp for the IPL 2020 season as a substitute for England’s Chris Woakes, who had withdrawn from the competition. Since then, he’s developed into an important component for the DC, wreaking havoc in two seasons alongside fellow countryman Kagiso Rabada.