Defending Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Chennai Super Kings have announced the signing of New Zealand pacer Scott Kuggeleijn as a replacement for the injured Lungi Ngidi.

27-year-old Kuggeleijn has so far played two ODIs and four T20s for New Zealand in which he has picked up five and two wickets respectively.

The Kiwi pacer was most recently in action in the three-match T20 series against India where he picked up just the solitary wicket.

South Africa pacer Ngidi had earlier been ruled out of the tournament with a knee injury. With England all-rounder David Willey on Friday announcing his decision to pull out of the IPL as well due to family reasons, Chennai were left reeling in the pace department before the arrival of Kuggeleijn.

“For Lungi, we have gone with Kuggeleijn, who bowls quick and bats well. So we have looked for an all-rounder who has good pace and good variations. He will be joining us next week,” Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming said in a press conference on Saturday.

“David’s got a personal issue at home that he is dealing with and we have supported him and will continue to support him,” Fleming said about Willey.

MS Dhoni and his men have so far maintained a perfect record in the 2019 edition with two victories over Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Capitals.

The three-time champions will next be in action in the second match of Sunday’s double-header in the IPL when they take on Rajasthan Royals at the Chepauk stadium.

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