IPL 2020: Delhi Capitals replace Chris Woakes with Anrich Nortje

Delhi Capitals (DC) have roped in South African fast bowler Anrich Nortje as a replacement of Chris Woakes for the 2020 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The Proteas speedster had been signed by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) last season, but luck had other plans for him. Nortje had to return empty-handed after being ruled out of the 2019 season due to injury.

He suffered a thumb injury and couldn’t even play in the World Cup where South Africa fell short before the semis. The 26-year-old is now looking forward to making his IPL debut for the Capitals, who bowed out of the 2019 edition after the Qualifier 2 against Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

An excited Anrich Nortje

“I am excited to join the Delhi Capitals, a team that was the talk of the tournament last season. With its exciting mix of experienced and young players, and a stellar coaching line up, there is no doubt this is going to be a massive learning experience for me. I am grateful to the Delhi Capitals management for giving me this opportunity,” Nortje was quoted as saying in Cricbuzz.

In the Capitals, led by the young Shreyas Iyer, Nortje will have his countryman Kagiso Rabada and India’s Ishant Sharma for company in the fast bowling department. In his T20 career thus far, Nortje has picked 27 wickets from 22 matches. He has also represented his country in six Tests, seven ODIs and three T20Is, picking up 19, 14 and two wickets respectively.

As far as Woakes is concerned, he pulled out of the 2020 IPL to keep himself up and running for the English summer. The Capitals roped him in at a price of INR 1.5 crores. The Birmingham-born England all-rounder is also expecting a baby in the month of September.

The 31-year-old previously plied his trade for the Kolkata Knight Riders and the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the T20 league. In 18 IPL matches, Woakes has 25 wickets and last played back in 2018 against the Capitals itself at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Woakes is currently a part of England’s Test unit against Pakistan. In four Tests, after the return of cricket in the COVID-19, Woakes has 16 wickets and also notched a match-winning 84* versus Pakistan at the Rose Bowl in Southampton.