NEW DELHI: Kamlesh Nagarkoti‘s career has been riddled with injuries, keeping the right-arm pacer off the cricket field more than on it. A promising talent from India’s victorious 2018 Under-19 World Cup squad, Nagarkoti became an IPL sensation that same year when the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) bought him for a whopping Rs 3.2 crore after a fierce bidding war.
Nothing went as he would have liked from there on as the seamer, known for consistently clocking 140 plus kmph, was forced to miss the entire season due to a foot injury before the tournament began. The KKR think-tank retained him in 2019 but he remained off-field for another season due to a back injury. When he finally made his IPL debut in 2020, the promising quick played 10 games and managed just 5 wickets. Released by KKR ahead of the IPL 2022 Mega Auction, Nagarkoti was picked up by the Delhi Capitals for Rs 1.1 crore but featured in only one match before a back injury ended his season.
At the recent IPL 2025 mega auction, interest naturally wasn’t high for Nagarkoti and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) got his services for a bid of Rs 30 lakh. For a player who has been battling a lot of injury issues for last six years, it was the end of a very long wait.
“I have been waiting for this for a long time. I am grateful that I have got an opportunity once again. I am back again where I always wanted to be. I am eager to join CSK, and that’s because of Mahendra Singh Dhoni sir. It is every cricketer’s dream to play alongside or under such a legend of the game,” says Nagarkoti in an exclusive chat with TimesofIndia.com.
“I never imagined that I would ever be able to play with him. I have worked a lot on my fitness, and I am injury-free now. The injuries troubled me for years and kept me out of action. Sometimes, you get frustrated, annoyed, and upset, but I kept telling myself that I would make a comeback. I am in a happy space now. CSK are five-time champions. My next aim is to become a part of the title-winning CSK side this time and help them win their record sixth title. I am really excited to meet Dhoni sir. I am looking forward to a successful and triumphant season with CSK this time,” adds the seamer.
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Nagarkoti, sidelined from most tournaments, including the Ranji Trophy since February 2023 due to a stress fracture, returned to competitive cricket with the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for Rajasthan where he played seven games and returned with 10 wickets at an impressive economy of 6.70. Determined to put his injury setbacks behind him, he is aiming to make a mark with his new team – CSK.
REHAB AND THE SPECIAL CHAT WITH DRAVID
For the last few years, the 24-year-old has been on the sidelines due to injury and fitness issues and frustration did creep in when he wasn’t able to do something he absolutely loves – bowl fast. When DC picked him a couple of seasons back, he was desperate to make a mark but more disappointment was in store.
“I suffered an injury when I was with Delhi Capitals in February two years ago. I was hopeful of playing matches that season, but injuries spoiled my chances. It was a frustrating period for me. As a cricketer, you always want to go and perform in the middle, but because of the injuries, I couldn’t. No cricketer wants to warm the benches or watch matches from the dugout. I was desperate to play. I was ruled out of the tournament and was asked to rest for at least three months. I stayed at home for two to three months and then moved to my village with my family to refresh myself,” says Nagarkoti.
Determined to make a comeback, he began an intensive rehabilitation program and made Bengaluru his base to cut down on needless travel. Nagarkoti was in the city for close to nine months.
“I went for rehab in Bengaluru and met Ashish Kaushik. I had to stay in Bengaluru for a long time, so I rented a flat there. I didn’t want to travel frequently from Bengaluru to my home and back. Ashish sir helped me a lot. He is a genius. He worked closely with me, took care of my injuries, and ensured my rehab went in the right direction.
“I trained under him for almost 8-9 months. He analysed my bowling action videos and my run-ups. We sat together and discussed various aspects, including my action, run-ups, and technical improvements. Gradually, I regained my rhythm. As they say, hard work always pays off. I worked religiously and rigorously for 7-8 months in Bengaluru, and now I’m here. I am back as the old Kamlesh Nagarkoti,” says the seamer.
The youngster recalls a meeting with former India cricketer and head coach Rahul Dravid who urged him to stay strong.
“During my rehab, my only thought was to make a comeback. I also met Dravid sir, who inspired me immensely. He always told me to back myself. He said injuries are part and parcel of a cricketer’s life, and although they are tough to deal with, I need to stay strong and believe in myself. He said, ‘Always remember one thing: if you are capable, no one can stop you.’ His words motivated me a lot,” reveals Nagarkoti.
FOREVER GRATEFUL TO KKR
Fit and now raring to go, Nagarkoti expressed his gratitude to KKR, a franchise that supported him through his toughest times. The seamer is all praise for former KKR coach Abhishek Nayar, who is now assistant coach of Team India, and explains how he kept inspiring him during that period.
“KKR is family to me. I share a strong bond with them. They took care of me during my toughest times. When I got injured, they supported and backed me immensely. If it were any other franchise, they might have hesitated with an injured player like me. Retaining me and showing faith in me was a huge gesture. I am incredibly grateful to KKR,” says Nagarkoti.
“Abhishek Nayar bhaiya motivated me a lot. Sometimes, he would take me along or come to my room to talk and inspire me. He played a big role. He has been a guiding force for many cricketers, including me,” he adds.
At just 24, Nagarkoti has now locked his target: representing the Indian senior team.
“The old Kamlesh Nagarkoti is back. I am still the same. As I mentioned, I have worked a lot on myself, both physically and mentally. I am 24, and I know I have a long way to go. My ultimate dream is to play for the Indian senior team, and I will try my best to get there. I will not stop chasing that dream,” he concludes.