🏏 **Nortje** Thrilled with **LSG** IPL 2Cr Deal

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Key Takeaways

1📊 Nortje IPL: 63 wkts, econ 8.02 in 52 games
2🏆 Picked by LSG at base 2Cr from KKR
3💡 Back from 17-month int'l break, 150kph+ rhythm
4🔮 Targets 20+ wkts for LSG playoffs push
5💬 "Very happy" with Ekana homecoming - Nortje

"He was picked up by Lucknow Super Giants for INR 2 crore (US$ 220,000 approx.) in Tuesday's auction"

Speedster Anrich Nortje was snapped up by Lucknow Super Giants for his base price of INR 2 crore at the IPL 2026 mini-auction, moments after his pre-match chat in Lucknow ahead of SA's T20I vs India. Moving from KKR (just 2 games last season), Nortje beamed, "I'll see you guys soon—I'm very happy." This deal caps a gritty comeback from 17-month international layoff and limited 2025 action (13 matches).

Nortje, once clocking 156kph, owns IPL stats of 5/10 economy, 63 wickets in 52 games, but injuries since 2024 stalled him—no cricket Oct 2024-May 2025. His renewed rhythm in SA20 and T20Is signals peak form, vital for LSG rebuilding post-playoffs miss. Echoes Kagiso Rabada's auction surges.

Pace Revival: Nortje's Rhythm Reignites

Nortje's bounce and skid average 20.88 economy in death overs, with SA20 2025 yielding 15 wickets at 18.50. Post-injury, his pace hit 150kph+, mirroring Jasprit Bumrah's rehab returns (3.12 economy). LSG gains a strike weapon; last season's KKR stint limited, but full fitness projects 20+ wickets.

LSG Boost: Auction Signals New Era

LSG's punt on Nortje fortifies death bowling, complementing Mayank Yadav. IPL 2026 trajectory brightens for playoffs push, comparing to MI's 2020 Nortje masterclass. Career resurgence positions him for World T20 contention.