Last Update on: March 24th, 2023 at 03:37 pm

KKR’s poor luck has continued in the run-up to the Indian Premier League 2023. KKR have faced another setback following the injuries to skipper Shreyas Iyer and top New Zealand bowler Lockie Ferguson.

Nitish Rana, the batter of the Kolkata Knight Riders, is the latest casualty. He injured his left ankle during a practice session at Eden Gardens on Thursday, becoming KKR’s third major injury of the offseason, reported Sportskeeda.

Nitish Rana had previously batted in two different nets, against KKR spinners and net bowlers, before returning for a third stint to take throwdowns. That’s when one of the balls landed squarely on his left ankle. As support staff from all across the enormous venue descended on him, the southpaw instantly went to the ground, as per the same report.

Wincing in pain, the 29-year-old took off his shoes and socks for ankle care. He laid on the pitch for approximately five minutes, freeing himself from the rest of his equipment, before getting up and staggering off to the opposite side of the field. He didn’t do anything else, but he stayed on the field with all of his teammates until the practice was over.

Nitish Rana is one of the candidates to be named stand-in captain

Nitish Rana was seen exiting the venue with his left ankle wrapped after receiving additional care in the dressing room. He responded that it wasn’t anything significant when Sportskeeda asked. The Delhi boy was still stumbling, though.

The news comes shortly after star pacer Lockie Ferguson withdrew from Saturday’s opening ODI against Sri Lanka due to a hamstring ailment. The first week of the IPL 2023 is probably out for the Kiwi fast. Because of a chronic lower back ailment, KKR captain Shreyas Iyer is already scheduled to miss the first half of the IPL 2023, if not the entire tournament.

Together with West Indians Sunil Narine and Andre Russell, Nitish Rana is one of the candidates for the position of interim captain. If his injury develops, the already weakened batting lineup for KKR would be further shaken.

The players will just participate in a gym session tomorrow because the Knights cancelled practice. Although there has not yet been any official word, one would hope that Rana’s injury is not severe and that he recovers quickly.

Also Read: IPL 2023: “The Overall Bowling Unit Is Looking Very Good”- Aakash Chopra On The SunRisers Hyderabad Bowling Team Leading Into The IPL

IPL 2023: Nitish Rana Faces An Injury Scare As The Kolkata Knight Riders’ Injury List Grows Ahead Of The IPL – Reports

Nitish Rana is one of the candidates to be named stand-in captain

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