IPL 2016: Blow for KKR as John Hastings is ruled out of the tournament

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have started their IPL 2016 campaign in impressive fashion, with two wins out of their three games. But, just a few days into IPL 2016, they have taken a blow, as their fast bowler John Hastings has been ruled out of the season with an ankle injury. 

Hastings hurt his ankle during a training session just ahead of the match against the Mumbai Indians. The Victorian still went on to play the match and completed his quota of four overs.

Hastings was one of the most economical bowlers in the KKR bowling lineup in IPL 2016. He kick-started the season with outstanding figures of 2 for 6 in 2.4 overs with a brilliant economy rate of 2.25 runs per over. 

His departure for Australia was confirmed by the assistant coach of KKR, Simon Katich, on Monday. 

"He bowled through a fair bit of pain. Hastings has flown back to Australia. It's a shame to see his campaign end prematurely. He had fitted in really well into the team, and he had performed well in a couple of games," Katich was quoted as saying by Cricinfo.

"Unfortunately he'll be doing a lot of rehab instead and working towards getting fit for the West Indies tour for Australia."

The two-time IPL champions will now look for a replacement for Hastings. They have not disclosed the possible names, but the franchise revealed that once the paperwork gets done, they will make an announcement.

"We have looked into it. We have sent off the paperwork. Nothing has been confirmed regarding the player concerned. Hopefully that'll happen in the next few days. We have sent out the paperwork to BCCI, we'll just have to see what happens," Katich added. 

"It's someone that we had already looked at in the auction."