IPL 2021: Anrich Nortje tests positive for COVID-19 ahead of DC's game against RR

South Africa pacer Anrich Nortje has been tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of Delhi Capitals’ second game against the Rajasthan Royals. The bowler was in the middle of his quarantine period and was expected to start training along with Kagiso Rabada from April 14. But he will now have to undergo 10 days of isolation and return two negative tests before joining the bubble again.

Interestingly, there is no confirmation yet over when did he test positive for the virus. Earlier, there were reports of Nitish Rana and Devdutt Padikkal testing positive as well but their respective franchise later revealed that the cricketers had contracted the virus at an earlier date.

Sources in the know of developments clarified that Anrich Nortje started his quarantine period with a negative test report. But he has now been tested positive while in the middle of his isolation period. “He came in with a negative report, but has unfortunately tested positive now while undergoing quarantine, the source said according to India Today.

Anrich Nortje was part of ODI series against Pakistan

Anrich Nortje, Quinton de Kock, David Miller and Kagiso Rabada were the four cricketers who left the Proteas team after the second ODI against Pakistan. De Kock featured for Mumbai Indians on Tuesday in the game against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) while Rabada and Nortje both were expected to play against the Royals.

However, the latest developments have not only put Nortje out of action but also has threatened Rabada’s availability. Both the players were together in the flight during their journey from South Africa to India and it remains to be seen if the latter’s isolation period will increase now.

As for DC, this is a big blow as they would’ve expected both the bowlers to play the upcoming game. Nevertheless, their replacements, Chris Woakes and Tom Curran fared decently and the duo might get one more game to prove their mettle. But the Capitals will definitely prefer two of their top wicket-takers from IPL 2020 to be available soon.