IPL 2021: Delhi Capitals all-rounder Axar Patel tests positive for COVID-19

The Delhi Capitals (DC), ahead of the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), have been dealt with a huge blow. Their all-rounder Axar Patel has been tested positive for COVID-19 and has now been isolated according to the regulations set by the BCCI. He was in the middle of his mandatory quarantine period before testing positive and will be in isolation now for a minimum of 10 days.

This comes as a huge blow for Axar who enjoyed a memorable Test debut against England picking 27 wickets in three Tests. He also played in a solitary T20I of the five-match series against the same team before leaving the bubble ahead of the ODI series.

Sources in the Delhi Capitals camp confirmed Axar Patel being tested positive for the virus. “Unfortunately, Axar has tested positive. He is isolating and all protocols are being followed,” the sources stated. Axar Patel is the second cricketer to contract the virus after Nitish Rana. The KKR all-rounder, however, has been tested negative following his quarantine period.

IPL 2021: Big blow for DC as Axar Patel tests positive for COVID-19

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What does BCCI SOPs say?

According to the BCCI SOPs, a player must be kept in isolation in the designated area outside the bio-secure environment after being tested positive. The isolation period will be a minimum of 10 days from the first day of symptoms or from the date when the sample was collected. The team doctor will continuously keep an eye on the player who should also skip doing any exercises during this period.

“During the 10-day isolation, the individual must rest and avoid any exercises. The team doctor should regularly monitor the case. If symptoms worsen during the course of isolation, the individual must be hospitalised immediately,” the SOP states.

Delhi Capitals will be playing their first game of the IPL 2021 season on April 10 against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Their regular skipper Shreyas Iyer is already ruled out of the tournament due to a shoulder injury. Rishabh Pant has been named the skipper of the team for this season.