|| Desk Report ||

Left-arm pacer Harry Gurney has been ruled out of 2020 Vitality Blast and the Indian Premier League (IPL) due to a shoulder injury. He will undergo a surgery in September and he has confirmed to ESPNcricinfo that he would not tour to the UAE to join Kolkata Knight Riders for this season which is scheduled to begin from September 19.

"Having gone through the same frustrations as everyone this year in waiting for cricket to restart, I’m devastated to have to miss the Blast,” he was quoted as saying by trentbridge.co.uk. "Some of the proudest moments in my career have been with Notts, and nothing quite compares to being out on the field at Trent Bridge competing for trophies with some of my best mates. To have that taken away for a year is tough.”

"I have a huge amount of faith in the squad of players and in their ability to go deep in the tournament. I’ll be cheering them on for sure, and will be there with a word of advice or tactical input whenever it’s needed,” he said.

He is one of those players who could change the game anytime. And, his exclusion will be a huge blow for KKR as he was about to play a vital role for the team in the tournament.

“Harry would improve any T20 side in the world, so it’s a blow to lose him for this year’s tournament,” said Head Coach Peter Moores. “With the experience and expertise he’s gained from a global white-ball career, he’s become a real leader in our limited-overs dressing room.