Australian pacer Matt Kelly named as a replacement for the injured Anrich Nortje in the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) squad for the remaining games of the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The South African fast bowler Anrich Nortje forced to pull out of his maiden IPL stint after getting injured in his shoulder prior to the tournament. The 24-year old Matt Kelly played in the Big Bash League for Perth Scorchers. He has played 16 First-Class matches, five List A games, and 12 T20s so far, but didn’t feature in the IPL till date. The 24-year-old has represented Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League.

However, this is not the first time KKR players have been suffering from injuries. There are two injury setbacks KKR suffered, India’s U-19 World Cup-winning pacer duo Shivam Mavi and Kamlesh Nagarkoti also replaced by KC Cariappa and Sandeep Warrier. Mavi and Nagarkoti have pulled out of this season in IPL after sustaining pre-season injuries.

Read here: Ankit Rajpoot winks at Keiron Pollard; Twitterati reacts

Not only these but KKR’s in-form all-rounder Andre Russell also got injured in the last season. However, he played against KKR’s last encounter against Chennai Super Kings, on Tuesday (April 9). He scored a fighting half-century and fielded as well, though his side lost to Chennai by seven-wicket.

With this loss, KKR has lost their top place from the top of the points table and placed second after Chennai with four wins in six games so far. However, KKR will now face Delhi Capitals in their next game at the Eden Gardens on Friday (April 12). Delhi Capitals are placed at sixth, with three wins and as many losses from six matches.