IPL 2019: 3 players who can replace the injured Anrich Nortje in the KKR squad

IPL 2019 will kick off on March 23, and teams have started assembling their players in preparation for the 12th edition of the mega event. With a lot of prolific international players featuring and some of the finest domestic talents on show, the tournament is expected to be a cracker once again.

Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians have won the trophy three times whereas Kolkata Knight Riders have lifted the prestigious cup on two occasions. This year, under the leadership of Dinesh Karthik, KKR will be aiming to join CSK and MI as three-time winners.

However, they have suffered a setback before the start of the tournament. Their star fast-bowler Anrich Nortje’s has been ruled out of IPL due to an injury.

On that note, here is a look at three unsold players who KKR can pick as Nortje's replacement.

#1 Chris Woakes

Chris Woakes

England all-rounder Chris Woakes went unsold at this year’s auction. Last year, Woakes represented Royal Challengers Bangalore and didn’t live up to the expectations as he leaked runs and failed to make breakthroughs. However, before that, he had a good season with Kolkata Knight Riders.

Like Nortje, Woakes is a hit-the-deck kind of bowler and also possesses a sharp bouncer. In ODIs he has been England’s go-to man in the death overs.

Woakes has picked up 116 wickets in 84 ODIs at an economy rate of 5.16. With KKR lacking quality in the death-bowling department, Woakes can again be tried in this role.

A few years back, his highest score of 95 helped England earn a famous tie against Sri Lanka from jaws of defeat. In addition to that he also owns a Test hundred, which underlines his prowess with the bat.

Woakes' all-round skills make him a complete package, and KKR could think of reinstating him as Nortje's replacement.

#2 Chris Jordan

Chris Jordan

Chris Jordan is one of the most underrated bowlers in T20 cricket. The Barbados-born has consistently performed for England in the shortest version of the game. He is particularly impressive in the death overs where he keeps a check on the batsmen with his wide range of variations and pin-point yorkers.

Most recently, he produced a spell of 4/6 to bundle out a power-packed West Indies lineup for 45. In 38 T20Is, the 30-year-old has 46 wickets in his bag. His economy rate of 8.16 is decent for a bowler who bowls mostly in the death overs. Jordan is also a power hitter down the order, plus a sharp outfield fielder.

Jordan has earlier played for Royal Challengers Bangalore, and last year he represented Sunrisers Hyderabad, but this year he went unsold in the auction. However, as Nortje has been ruled out due to injury, KKR can think of replacing him with the in-form Jordan.

#3 James Neesham

James Neesham

Even with a low base price of INR 75 lakh, James Neesham didn’t find any bids during the auction. However, an injury to Nortje might open the door for him.

Though not a like-for-like replacement, Neesham is a batting all-rounder and can add versatility to the KKR squad. The Kiwi all-rounder recently made a comeback after an injury hiatus and made an immediate impact.

In the first match on his return, Neesham smashed 47 runs off just 13 against Sri Lanka, clobbering 6 sixes during the course of the innings. He followed this up with a 37-ball 64. In that series, Neesham also claimed wickets at crucial intervals.

Because of the bounce he gains due to the high release, coupled with the variety of slow ball variations up his sleeve, Neesham is not easy to get away.

Neesham has previously represented Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) and Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL. He has also featured in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and T20 Blast.

With a good amount of experience on his side - including prior experience of Indian conditions - Neesham can add a great deal of utility to the KKR squad.