IPL: Injury blues hit KKR

Kolkata, April 25 (IANS)

Languishing way down the points table, Kolkata Knight Riders are now struggling to cope with a spate of injuries to key players ahead of their Indian Premier League match against Kings XI Punjab here Friday.

The indispensable South African all-rounder Jacques Kalllis is the latest addition to the injured list.

Kallis hurt his knee while taking a run during KKR’s match against Mumbai Indians Wednesday at the Eden Gardens and did not turn up for fielding in the second half of the game.

Middle order batsman Manoj Tiwary too picked up an injury in the match while making a valiant attempt to take a catch.

“Kallis has injured his knee and a decision on his availability for Friday’s match can be taken only after 24 hours. Manoj has split the webbing in his right hand and needed 4-6 stitches,” a KKR spokesperson said.

The defending champions went down to Mumbai by five wickets.

All-rounder Laxmi Ratan Shukla is also out with an injured knee. He was replaced in Wednesday’s match by spinner Iqbal Abdulla.