Defending IPL champions Chennai Super Kings suffered a blow ahead of the season opener with South African paceman Lungi Ngidi being ruled out of the tournament due to a side strain suffered during the ODI series against Sri Lanka.
The South Africa team manager Dr Mohammed Moosajee was quoted as saying on the ICC website that Ngidi had felt discomfort while bowling during the last ODI against Sri Lanka at Newlands and immediately stopped bowling.
"Lungi felt discomfort while bowling during the last ODI against Sri Lanka at Newlands and immediately stopped bowling. Further scans revealed a Grade II muscle strain which will need up to four weeks of rest followed by a rehab programme leading up to the World Cup," Moosajee said.
Ngidi was to play for CSK, who he represented in last year's IPL. CSK plays the opener of IPL-12 against Royal Challengers Bangalore at the M A Chidambaram stadium here on March 23.
Kolkata Knight Rider suffered the injury blow.
Pacer Anrich Nortje pulled out because of a right shoulder injury. "Nortje sustained a right shoulder injury and will be sidelined for six weeks. Unfortunately, this injury will rule him out of the upcoming IPL, but with the World Cup in sight, it is important for us to make sure all of the World Cup hopefuls will be fit for selection," read a release from Cricket South Africa.
After Kamlesh Nagarkoti and Shivam Mavi, Nortje is third KKR player to be ruled out of the tournament with an injury.
(With Agency Input)