IPL: Ashwin takes break to 'support family' during COVID-19 pandemic
In a major development, senior spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has taken a break from IPL 2021, citing the need to be with his family during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ashwin announced the decision following Delhi's victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chennai. The 34-year-old, who revealed the same in a tweet, stated he might return if things pan out well. Here is more.
Here is what Ashwin tweeted
I would be taking a break from this years IPL from tomorrow. My family and extended family are putting up a fight against #COVID19 and I want to support them during these tough times. I expect to return to play if things go in the right direction. Thank you @DelhiCapitals 🙏🙏
— Stay home stay safe! Take your vaccine🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) April 25, 2021
Ashwin will have to undergo quarantine after re-joining
Ashwin expressed his desire to re-join the DC squad "if things go in the right direction". However, the protocols for any player joining the bio-bubble after leaving it once binds them to undergo another period of quarantine in the hotel.
Delhi Capitals move to Ahmedabad
Delhi Capitals began their IPL campaign in Mumbai. They have finished the Chennai leg of their tournament. Notably, Ashwin resides in Chennai. The Capitals will now fly to Ahmedabad for their next leg on Monday. Ashwin played five matches this season, and managed to take only a solitary wicket. He registered figures of 0/27 against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the recent encounter.
Zampa, Richardson pull out of IPL 2021
In another development, Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson have pulled out of the cash-rich league due to personal reasons. The Australian duo will be unavailable for the remainder of the tournament, confirmed Royal Challengers Bangalore. Earlier, Rajasthan Royals seamer Andrew Tye left the tournament for personal reasons. Last week, his team-mate Liam Livingstone returned to England, citing "bubble fatigue".
Zampa and Richardson are returning to Australia: Statement
While Richardson played one game with RCB in the IPL 2021, Zampa couldn't make it to the XI. "Adam Zampa & Kane Richardson are returning to Australia for personal reasons and will be unavailable for the remainder of IPL season. Royal Challengers Bangalore offers complete support to them in all the possible ways we can," the franchise said in a statement.
IPL has become more about what's happening outside: Ricky Ponting
Amid the growing concerns over the COVID-19 surge in India, DC coach Ricky Ponting recently admitted that the tournament "has become more about what's happening outside than what's happening here". He felt the players were "probably the safest people in the country being in bio-secure bubbles". On Sunday, India reported 3.49 lakh new COVID-19 cases, marking the biggest single-day spike for the fifth consecutive day.
