IPL 2019: Kamlesh Nagarkoti and Shivam Mavi ruled out of the entire season

The Kolkata Knight Riders have suffered a massive blow ahead of the IPL 2019 season. Two of the frontline pacers, Kamlesh Nagarkoti and Shivam Mavi have been ruled out of the entire tournament. Both these players have suffered different types of injuries and it will take them quite some time to recover.

KKR bought Kamlesh Nagarkoti in the IPL 2018 auction at a price of INR 3.2 crores. Given that he performed well in the U19 World Cup in 2018, there were high expectations on the pacer. However, even before he made his debut, injured his back. The 19-year-old is yet to recover from his injury and will take nearly two or three months to get fit. Thus, he will now have to wait for one more year to make his debut in the league.

On the other hand, Shivam Mavi, who played 9 games for KKR last season is also ruled out. Mavi suffered from a stress fracture in his back. This rules him out for action for at least six months. In the matches that he played last season, the pacer picked up 5 wickets and looked to be a work-in-progress. He impressed one and all with his pace.

The alternatives that KKR can look at

KKR bought Sandeep Warrier as the replacement for Kamlesh. Sandeep was the leading wicket-taker for Kerala in the recently concluded Ranji Trophy season. He played a vital role in helping his team get to the semi-final for the first time. He was earlier a part of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Warrier was with the team for three seasons starting from 2013 but never got a game.

The Knight Riders have got a few other good pacers in their set-up this year. They’ve got the likes of Harry Gurney, Anrich Nortje and Lockie Ferguson. All these players are quite capable and can bowl quick. Moreover, Prasidh Krishna continues to feature in their side and will have an important role to play.

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