IPL 2021- Axar Patel to join DC squad soon but will miss RR vs DC clash Delhi Capitals’ left-arm spinner Axar Patel is close to making a full recovery after being diagnosed COVID positive in his second test, conducted after his entry into the team hotel on the 28th of last month.
According to an official statement by Delhi Capitals, Axar is in better condition and may be ready to join the Delhi Capitals in a few days’ time. Though his chances of playing in his team’s next match – against Rajasthan Royals on April 15 – are very slim.
“Yes, Axar Patel is better. Saturday will be day 10 of his quarantine process. Hopefully 3-4 more days, a couple of negative tests, and he will be ready to join the team. We are running tests on him over the next few days to know how quickly we can get him back, available for selection,” Capitals’ team director Mustafa Ghouse told Sports Today.
Ghouse further added: “He had checked into the team hotel in Mumbai on March 28 with a negative report. His report from the 2nd COVID test came positive. He is in isolation at a designated medical care facility.”
Delhi Capitals got off to a magnificent start even without Axar Patel and scored a comprehensive victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their maiden match of IPL 2021.
But after his heroics against England in the Test series, where he picked up more than 25 wickets in just three Tests, his return would be keenly anticipated. Apart from adding to the bowling line-up’s strength, Axar also gives batting depth thanks to his all-round abilities.
Delhi are also without their regular captain Shreyas Iyer who suffered an injury before the IPL, during the ODI series against India. The Delhi Capitals also released a statement regarding him.
“Shreyas is better. He has got sensation back in his hand which is most important factor after the surgery. He is gutted that he is not part of the team.He is in constant touch of the boys and Ricky. All we have to do now is make sure that he is on a path of recovery and getting back to playing at the level he has been before,” the statement read.