Injured Nathan Coulter-Nile flies home for rehab

Rajasthan Royals' fast-bowling allrounder Nathan Coulter-Nile has returned to Australia for rehabilitation after suffering a side strain during the team's opening match in IPL 2022, against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 29.

"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 hurt himself during the final over of Sunrisers' innings when he pulled up in his follow-through. He didn't bowl anymore, and walked off the field. He has sat out Royals' following games.

He had been bought by the franchise for INR 2 crore [USD 266,000 approx.] in the February mega auction. Having been a part of the IPL since 2013, he has picked up a total of 48 wickets from 39 matches in the tournament, at an economy of 7.70.

Coulter-Nile has a history of serious injuries, and has been forced to leave the IPL before also. In 2014, when he was a Delhi Daredevils [now Capitals] player, he had to cut short his time with the team because of a hamstring injury, which required surgery. Last year, too, he struggled with a calf injury, and had to miss out on game time.

Royals are yet to announce a replacement for him.