Nathan Coulter-Nile out of IPL 2022

Rajasthan Royals’ pace bowling all-rounder Nathan Coulter-Nile has returned Australia after suffering a side strain during the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 29. The Aussie cricketer will undergo rehabilitation.

“Unfortunately, I have the hard task of wishing him farewell,” Royals’ head physio John Gloster said in a video posted by the franchise on Twitter. “It’s always hard to lose someone, particularly when it’s through injury. And you know we were really looking forward to spending a lot of time with you [Coulter-Nile] throughout this tournament.

“Unfortunately, that’s not going to be. But you are a big part of us. Anything you need from us, we are always here. We look forward to having you back with us, whenever that might be.”

Coulter-Nile opted himself out while bowling the final over of the clash against SRH. His over was finished up by Riyan Parag.

The Aussie cricketer had a history of injuries which forced him out of IPL in 2014 (hamstring injury) when he was a member of Delhi Daredevils squad. In the 2021 edition, he missed out due to calf injury.

Coulter-Nile featured in 39 IPL matches and picked 48 wickets at an average of 22.92, conceding 7.70 runs per over. He has two 4 wicket hauls in his IPL career with a best of 4-14.

Royals are yet to announce a replacement and it is likely they will opt for a pacer who can contribute with the bat lower down the order.