Delhi Capitals' Kamlesh Nagarkoti reportedly ruled out of IPL 2023 with a back injury

Kamlesh Nagarkoti had previously missed IPL 2018 and 2019 due to back injuries.

Delhi Capitals (DC) lost the services of Kamlesh Nagarkoti who has been reportedly ruled out of IPL 2023 with a back injury. This has come as a huge blow for the DC franchise, who are having a horrid run in the ongoing tournament.

2018 U19 World Cup winner Kamlesh Nagarkoti has battled back injury before as well. He missed the whole of IPL 2018 and 2019 when he was bought and retained by the Kolkata Knight Riders in those two seasons.

He made his Twenty20 debut for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2020 Indian Premier League on 26 September 2020 and has played just 12 matches since then. He joined the Delhi Capitals (DC) after being bought by the franchise in the IPL 2022 mega auction.

The Rajasthan pacer also endured a poor campaign across domestic tournaments with just seven wickets in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2022. He hasn't played any competitive cricket in 2023 and was not able to crack into Delhi Capitals' playing eleven in their first five games.

Delhi Capitals are well-stocked with pace options, with Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar, and Chetan Sakariya featuring regularly with foreign pacers in Mustafizur Rahman and Anrich Nortje. They also have Ishant Sharma and Lungi Ngidi on the bench.

Priyam Garg and Abhimanyu Easwaran called up for trials by Delhi Capitals

Meanwhile, thanks to the struggles of Shaw, Yash Dhull, and Lalit Yadav has meant that DC has been forced to call uncapped Abhimanyu Easwaran and Priyam Garg for trials midway through the season despite the franchise having the maximum squad strength.

“The maximum squad strength is 25 and DC has maximum squad strength. Now whether they would replace someone isn’t known. As of now, both are on trial," an IPL source tracking DC’s developments told PTI.

Left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed is nursing a hamstring injury after having played in just two matches so far. The team management though is positive that he will get fit in time.

The David Warner-led franchise remains without a win in IPL 2023 after five games. They will target their maiden win this season as they host seventh-placed Kolkata Knight Riders in their next game on Thursday, April 20, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.