IPL 2021: Delhi Capitals all-rounder Axar Patel tests positive for COVID-19

Delhi Capitals all-rounder Axar Patel has tested positive for the COVID-19 infection, PTI reported. This comes as a significant setback for the Delhi franchise, who have already lost their regular skipper Shreyas to shoulder injury for the entirety of the impending 14th edition of the Indian Premier League.

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Having named young wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant as the stand-in skipper for the season, the Capitals begin their campaig with a clash against MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings at the Wankhede Stadium on April 10. 

Patel becomes the second player set to feature in the tournament to contract the virus in recent weeks after Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) batsman Nitish Rana tested positive on March 22. 

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However, the 27-year-old batsman was cleared to train on Thursday after testing negative for the infection. 

BCCI protocols require any player who tests positive for COVID-19 to spend a minimum of 10 days in self-isolation outside the bio-secure bubble. The cricket body also recommends players to not train during this period and stay under the supervision of a doctor. 

India is currently gripped in a deadly second wave of COVID-19, with daily cases increasing at an alarming rate. Maharashtra and Mumbai have been the worst-affected state and city by the recent surge, casting shadows of doubt over the upcoming season of the IPL. 

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Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium is set to host 10 matches from April 10-25, including Delhi’s opener against Chennai. A total of four franchises have set up camp in Mumbai, including Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals and the Mumbai Indians.