IPL 2018: Jolt to KKR as this key pacer ruled out of entire season

Johannesburg: In a massive jolt to two-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Australian speedster Mitchell Starc has been ruled out of the upcoming Indian Premier League season 11 owing to a tibial bone stress fracture in his right leg.

The paceman has also been ruled out of the ongoing fourth Test against South Africa here. His ouster added to the woes of the Kangaroo team which is already playing without their top players like Steven Smith and David Warner, who have been suspended for a year due to the ball tampering scandal in the Cape Town Test.

Apart from Smith and Warner, opening batsman Cameron Bancroft has also been banned for nine months for changing the condition of the ball.

Starc getting injured is going to be a huge blow to KKR as they had bought only 19 players at the IPL 2018 auction and the Aussie was going to be a permanent feature in their playing XI.

Also Read: IPL 2018: A closer look at Chennai Super Kings probable XI

Apart from Starc, their key all-rounder Andre Russell is also doubtful for the upcoming IPL 2018.

In the final Test here, Starc was replaced for by South Australia's Chadd Sayers. Starc will fly home after the series for further injury investigation and assessment.

Starc was roped in for a whopping sum of Rs 9.4 crore by KKR and was tipped to lead the franchise's bowling attack,.

Sans the 28-year old fast bowler, KKR will now depend more on compatriot Mitchell Johnson.

It is understood that in accordance with the Player Regulations, KKR will now be allowed to choose a replacement from the Registered and Available Player Pool (RAPP).