South African pacer Anrich Nortje has finally joined Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of the IPL 2025 season. Despite concerns over his fitness after missing the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to a back injury, Anrich Nortje is now ready to make an impact for KKR in the upcoming IPL 2025.
This is Nortje’s second stint with Kolkata Knight Riders, but it will be his first opportunity to take the field for the defending champions in the upcoming season, starting on March 22. Back in 2019, the Proteas star was forced to withdraw from the tournament without playing a single game.
Anrich Nortje reunites with KKR, eyes big IPL 2025 campaign
However, the Kolkata-based franchise showed faith in Nortje once again, securing his services for INR 6.5 crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction last year. After joining the KKR camp, Nortje expressed his excitement about finally being part of the Kolkata team.
Now, the South African star is eager to play at Eden Gardens and also acknowledged the passionate KKR fanbase, appreciating their support and looking forward to taking the field for the defending champions in the IPL 2025 opener against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on March 22.
Read Also: IPL 2025: “Could be make or break” – Aakash Chopra exposes SRH’s biggest weakness
Anrich Nortje ready to play at beautiful Eden Garden
The defending Champions shared a heartfelt video on their official X handle, where the franchise welcomed Nortje to the team. Nortje said in the video: “KKR was the first to back me and it’s just great to be here (in Kolkata) again. Really excited for things to get going and what a place to be.”
Sharing his excitement to play at the Eden Gardens, Nortje said: “Beautiful place, beautiful ground to be at, really excited to be and looking forward to that first game. Obviously, the most important thing for now is just to get the prep done, but you are nice to just take everything in for now and hopefully build up to a successful season.”
The pacer signed off by saying, “For all the fans, we can’t wait to see you at the ground. We can’t wait to see you at the matches. Already some people at the ground with the training. So, thanks for all the support, thanks for all the messages and we really look forward to seeing you guys.”
Our returning Knight all geared up for #IPL2025 😍💜 pic.twitter.com/RAVJfwZJR5
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) March 14, 2025
Anrich Nortje enjoys great success in the IPL
Meanwhile, Nortje, who is known for his raw pace and ability to trouble batters, has had a short but impressive IPL career since making his debut for Delhi Capitals in 2020. The South African pacer has played 46 matches, taking 60 wickets with a solid strike rate of 17.5.
However, the Proteas pacer returned to competitive cricket for the first time since December last year. His recent injury setbacks, including a toe injury that ruled him out of South Africa’s series against Pakistan, have delayed his comeback, but he is eager to get back in action.
Kolkata Knight Riders, under head coach Chandrakant Pandit, assistant coach Otis Gibson, and mentor Dwayne Bravo, would be looking to defend their IPL title this season. Notably, they have won the IPL title three times (2012, 2014, 2024) and finished as runners-up in 2021.
