IPL 2019 News: KKR sign Sandeep Warrier for injured Kamlesh Nagarkoti

KKR sign Sandeep Warrier for injured Kamlesh Nagarkoti: Kolkata Knight Riders have already received their share of a pre-season injury.

IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders have signed Kerala pacer Sandeep Warrier as a replacement for injured pacer Kamlesh Nagarkoti. Having missed what would have been his maiden IPL season last year due to a foot injury, 19-year old Nagarkoti will have to continue to wait for his IPL debut.

Warrier, who will become the sixth Kerala player to feature in IPL 2019, is coming on the back of impressive form in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Warrier picked up eight wickets in six matches at an average of 15.87, an economy rate of 5.87 and a strike rate of 16.37. He also registered a hat-trick against Andhra in the tournament.

In the recently concluded season of Ranji Trophy, Warrier dismissed 44 batsmen in 10 matches at an average of 17.54, an economy rate of 2.44 and a strike rate of 43. Warrier was part of Royal Challengers Bangalore’s squad from 2013-2015. However, he didn’t get a single match to play.

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Warrier initially remained unsold

With a base price of INR 20 lakh, Warrier remained unsold in the IPL auction this year. Having gained this opportunity now, he would be hoping to make the best of it.

Among the Indian pacers at KKR, Warrier will join the likes of Shivam Mavi and Prithvi Raj Yarra. Warrier will also get a change to share the dressing room with overseas fast bowlers such as Lockie Ferguson, Harry Gurney and Andrich Nortje.

Despite struggling with the injuries of their fast bowlers the same time last year, Kolkata ended up making it to the platoffs. Under Dinesh Karthik’s second stint as captain, the two-time IPL winnings franchise would be hoping to bag their third title.

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Knight Riders will play their first match of IPL 2019 against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 24.