Lungi Ngidi was ruled out of IPL 2019 due to side strain | Photo Credit: IANS

Defending champions Chennai Super Kings have signed New Zealand fast bowler Scott Kuggeleijn as a replacement for the injured Lungi Ngidi, however, no replacement has been named for David Willey who has opted out if IPL 2019 owing to personal reasons.

It was earlier on Saturday afternoon that the news regarding Willey's absence broke with Yorkshire County Cricket Club website quoting the English cricketer - "unfortunately due to some family reasons, I've had to pull out of the IPL".

"We are due for our second baby and my wife's had a bit of a tough time, so I'm having to make sure she's alright," he said. "It's a bit open-ended as to when I'll be available for Yorkshire, but hopefully I'll be available for the start of the 50-over competition."

Willey revealed that the IPL franchise has been understanding of his decision to opt out of the season after playing just three matches. "Chennai were very understanding and very supportive, as have been Yorkshire. It's never an easy decision. But, nonetheless, it's the right decision," the 29-year old said. "I need to put my family first and cricket's secondary to that. We'll get that sorted and then I can concentrate on cricket."

Ahead of the kick off to IPL 2019, CSK suffered a huge blow as they lost South African pacer Ngidi to a side strain that ruled him out for the entire season. In fact, even skipper MS Dhoni had expressed the news to be a "big blow" for CSK after their win over Delhi Capitals earlier this week at the Feroz Shah Kotla.

Losing Ngidi at the start was a big blow, because he was the quickest, but other than that we are well-covered in all the areas," Dhoni had said in the post-match presentation ceremony.

Amid these set backs, CSK have won both the matches they have played so far. In IPL 2019 opener, they defeated Royal Challengers Bangalore by seven wickets before beating Delhi by six wickets.