'KKR Was The First To Back Me': 6.5 Cr Pacer Is Ready To Give It All To Defend IPL Title

Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders will be aware of the threat their opponents pose to their IPL title credentials. Shreyas Iyer led KKR to their third title last year and the Kolkata-based outfit is tipped to be one of the contenders for the IPL 2025 title.

KKR Retained Most Of Their Core

KKR have managed to retain most of their core setup and have brought in some talented players to enhance their squad this season. Anrich Nortje has stamped his reputation with his controlled line and length and the South African pacer will lead the KKR bowling lineup in IPL 2025. Nortje could be a brilliant replacement for Mitchell Starc but his persistent injury issues could be a problem for they 3 time champions. He missed the Champions Trophy 2025 due to an injury but has already joined the KKR camp ahead of the IPL 2025 opener against RCB on March 22.

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Anrich Nortje Ready To Pay Off His Debt

The 31-year-old revealed how KKR decided to back him up when no team picked him up. In an interaction with KKR's media team, he said, “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."

Nortje was a part of the KKR squad in 2019 but didn't play a single match as injury derailed his campaign.

“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."

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He further added, “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."

KKR are now the third most successful IPL side with three titles and will look to add one more in this upcoming edition.