MUMBAI, (Reuters) – Delhi Capitals spinner Axar Patel has tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of starting their campaign in the Indian Premier League next week, the team said yesterday.
Delhi, coached by Australian great batsman Ricky Ponting, said the 27-year-old Axar checked into the team’s hotel in Mumbai on Sunday with a negative report.
“His report of the second COVID trial came in positive,” the IPL 2020 finalist said in a statement. “He is currently alone in a designated medical care facility.”
Axar’s left-arm spinner, who recently made his successful debut in India against England, was the second cricketer to test positive before the IPL after Kolkata Knight Riders batsman Nitish Rana.
Participants will have to wait in a restricted health environment for IPL this year, which will be played across six locations, initially without viewers, from Friday.
Delhi is expected to open their IPL campaign against the Chennai Super Kings on April 10 at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.ax