Proteas fast bowler Anrich Norje was named in the Kolkata Knight Riders’ XI for Tuesday’s Indian Premier League fixture against the Punjab Kings in Mullanpur.
This is Nortje’s first professional fixture since December 2024. He was with the Deccan Gladiators in the Abu Dhabi T20 at the time – and had since been sidelined by injury.
Prior to Tuesday’s return, Nortje had not played T20 cricket since October 2024. That was the Warriors’ T20 Challenge fixture against the Titans in Port Elizabeth.
Nortje was included in South Africa’s squad for the Champions Trophy earlier this year, but later withdrew due to a back injury.
In early 2024, Nortje opted not to be contracted by Cricket South Africa.
“It was my decision. It was just to see how my body goes. I hadn’t had a stress fracture since 2010 and I just had a little bit of ‘nervy’ in the back, so I just wanted to take the time to play when I can, play when I know I’m ready, rather than having to play every series or every whatever is coming up,” he said at the time.
“So to make that decision on my own according to my body has been good so far. Still happy with the decision, and it’s more just for me to have the calmness and to know that, if I need a break for a week, if I need a break for a month, then I can do that.
He has not played international cricket since June 2024. His last Test was in March 2023.
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