Picture Credit: IPL
While it is common to see players from the opposite camps shake hands after the match is over, the Chennai Super Kings players did not do so after they registered a comprehensive 91-run win over Delhi Capitals at the DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai.
This is because there is a COVID-19 case diagnosed in the Delhi camp and the players are advised to maintain distance as a precaution against the spread of the virus, in case an undetected case has been deemed fit for the match. Notably, this is not the first time that Delhi have been suffering from such a scenario in IPL 2022 as earlier all-rounder Mitchell Marsh and a member of their coaching staff had contracted the infection.
Moreover, a member from head coach Ricky Ponting's family had also contracted COVID-19 and he had to sit out for a match despite being tested negative as a precautionary measure.
During the match on Sunday, ex-England cricketer and commentator Kevin Pietersen said that perhaps the impact of an extended stay in isolation was beginning to reflect on Delhi's performance. The Rishabh Pant-led side were completely outplayed in this fixture as their bowlers not only conceded 208/6 but their batting was blown away by a clinical Chennai bowling performance.
It was Devon Conway who was the star performer for the Men in Yellow with the bat as his knock of 87 and late finishing touch from the master finisher MS Dhoni himself (21* off 8 ) propelled the team to a total which was always going to be difficult for Delhi to chase. However, DC could not put up a fight with Moeen Ali being the wrecker in chief with the ball for CSK. His spell of 3/13 when the opposition needed over 10 runs an over at the outset completely tilted the balance of the match in favour of Chennai.
Mitchell Marsh's 25 was the highest individual score from the Delhi team which saw 7 single-digit scores.
