IPL 2020: 3 replacement signings from last season the franchises must retain

Matthew Kelly

Proteas pacer Anrich Nortje who was signed by Kolkata Knight Riders for INR 20 lakhs at 2019 IPL auction was ruled out of the entire season just days before the tournament kicked off due to a shoulder injury. The team management was then prompted to bring in Perth Scorchers pacer Matthew Kelly as a replacement. Many in IPL fraternity were unaware about Kelly before that.

But former Australian batsman Simon Katich who was the then assistant coach of KKR (played for Perth Scorchers in Big Bash League) was sure about the 24-year-old’s potential. Kelly, who is well known for his scorching yorkers is a talented seamer who could easily clock the magical 150-kph mark. Kelly has been exceptional in the Big Bash with his fiery spells and has caught the attention of several Aussie legends.

This guy Matt Kelly from @ScorchersBBL has the best yorker in the competition . One to keep a close eye on.

— Mark Waugh (@juniorwaugh349) February 1, 2019

Unfortunately, he did not get to play a game for the two-time winners throughout the season. With left-arm seamer Harry Gurney (seven wickets in eight matches at an economy of 8.81) and Lockie Ferguson (two wickets in five matches) under-performing last season, KKR must try to strengthen their pace attack.

Anrich Nortje too was not at his best in the Indian conditions recently (went wicket-less in the T20I he played against India at Mohali and managed just one wicket in the two Tests he played against India at Pune and Ranchi). KKR who lack a proper death bowler must retain and give more chance to a talented pacer like Matthew Kelly instead.

~ Written by Ashwan Rao