IPL 2021: From MI to RCB, 8 cricketers who will miss their opening games for their IPL franchise– The /IPL 2021 season will kick off in less than a week’s time. Amid this, there are a number of players who are yet to join their respective IPL squad. The South Africa players- Quinton de Kock (MI), David Miller (RR), Kagiso Rabada (DC), Lungi Ngidi (CSK) and Anrich Nortje (DC) have left for the IPL. But, the players need to undergo a mandatory 7-day quarantine at the team hotel as per BCCI’s SOP. Besides this, the COVID-19 scare has hit RCB and DC as one each of their players has tested positive for the virus. Axar Patel and Devdutt Padikkal are undergoing quarantine and are set to miss the IPL 2021 opening matches for their franchises. RCB’s Adam Zampa is also set to miss the opening match as he is set to get married.
Quinton de Kock (MI)
The Mumbai Indians opening batsman Quinton de Kock will miss the opening match against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Ishan Kishan is likely to replace de Kock as an opener in IPL 2021 opener beside Rohit Sharma.
David Miller
The Rajasthan Royals batsman David Miller will miss also miss the opening match against Punjab Kings on April 12. Known for his attacking batting, RR will definitely miss his presence against a strong bowling lineup.
Kagiso Rabada
Rabada emerged as the highest wicket-taker for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2020. They are set to play their opening match against Chennai Super Kings at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on April 11.
Lungi Ngidi
CSK, on the other hand, will miss the services of Lungi Ngidi in the opening match. Besides this, Josh Hazlewood has also pulled out of IPL.
Anrich Nortje
The Delhi Capitals bowler Anrich Nortje’s absence means Delhi will play in the absence of two key pacers in the opening fixture.
Despite the 5 leaving series mid-way for the IPL 2021, they are certain to miss the opening ties for their respective franchises. CSK CEO Kasi Vishwanathan confirmed the situation to InsideSport.
Devdutt Padikkal
Padikkal is undergoing quarantine after testing positive. RCB are scheduled to play this edition’s inaugural game against defending champions Mumbai Indians on April 9.
Axar Patel
It is now certain that Delhi Capitals will have to play their first match of IPL 2021 without their star all-rounder Axar Patel. As per the BCCI’s Covid-19 protocols, Patel will not be allowed to join the team camp for a minimum of 10 days starting 3rd April and the diktat will rule out Patel from DC vs CSK match.
Also Read: IPL 2021: Delhi Capitals shocked as Axar Patel tests positive for COVID-19
Adam Zampa
The Royal Challengers Bangalore spinner Adam Zampa is also set to miss the opening match. The Aussie cricketer is getting married.
RCB’s Adam Zampa to miss IPL season opener against MI
Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals captain Shreyas Iyer is set to miss the entire IPL 2021 as he got injured in the recently concluded ODI series against England. He is set to undergo surgery on April 8.
Rajasthan Royals pace spearhead Jofra Archer is unlikely to be available as he underwent surgery in his finger that was damaged while cleaning his home back in January.