Delhi Capitals Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
In a massive blow to the Delhi Capitals, one of their star players has tested positive for COVID-19. While the Delhi camp were happy with the kind of start they were off to after a dominant over Chennai Super Kings in their opening game, the news comes as a shocker to the side led by the young captain Rishabh Pant. The South African speedster had not taken the field in the first game owing to the mandatory quarantine requirements.
Reports emerging on Wednesday suggest that Anrich Nortje returned a positive result for COVID-19 test. Nortje had joined the squad late due to his international commitments and hence wasn't part of the playing XI against CSK in their opening fixture. Meanwhile it is being reported that his compatriot Kagiso Rabada has tested negative for the infection.
BCCI adamant on staging matches in Mumbai despite record cases
Prior to the tournament, there were record number of COVID-19 infections being observed each day. Mumbai, where Delhi Capitals are currently based, remained one the major hotspots of the infection. There were reports suggesting that the members of the ground staff at Wankhede had returned positive result for Coronavirus test and despite there being speculations regarding a change in venue, the BCCI went ahead with the matches in Mumbai since it would have been difficult to create another bio-bubble in a short notice.
Not the first case of an IPL player testing COVID-19 positive
Notably, this is not the first case of an IPL player testing positive for COVID-19. Earlier Nitish Rana, Devdutt Padikkal, Daniel Sams and Axar Patel have already been diagnosed with the infection. While Rana has featured in both of KKR's matches after recovering, Padikkal is likely to be fit for the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. In addition, Patel will also reportedly join his franchise the Delhi Capitals pretty soon. Further confirmation awaited on the status of Daniel Sams.
Dark clouds loom over IPL 2021?
Earlier, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) had to postponed after reports of a breach in bubble had emerged which led to several players testing positive for COVID-19. With over 150,000 cases being reported every day in India from the last few days, dark clouds continue to loom over IPL 2021.