IPL 2021: Axar Patel rejoins Delhi Capitals squad, starts training
In what comes as a piece of positive news for Delhi Capitals, all-rounder Axar Patel has rejoined the squad after recovering from COVID-19. Axar had been isolating in his own room after his second result came out as positive. In his absence, the Capitals had roped in left-arm spinner Shams Mulani as a temporary like-for-like replacement. Here are the further details.
Axar participated in his first training session on Friday
"I am getting sheer joy just by seeing people," Axar said in a video put out by the franchise on Friday. It is understood that Axar is back to full fitness, and even participated in the team training session on Friday.
Axar returns to DC camp
📹 | Smiles and hugs all around as Bapu returned to the DC camp 😁🤗
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) April 22, 2021
Oh, how we missed you, @akshar2026 💙
P.S. Kya challlaaaaa? 🤭#YehHaiNayiDilli #IPL2021 #DCAllAccess @OctaFX @ITCGrandChola pic.twitter.com/wRl1I1M5dW
His first test report came out as negative
Axar had originally checked into the team hotel on March 28. Although he had entered the bubble with a negative test report, the Capitals, on April 3, issued a media statement, saying Axar's second test result for COVID-19 had come out as positive. He was then immediately moved to a medical facility and had been isolating ever since.
The presence of Axar solidifies the team combination
Axar's comeback is a huge boost for Delhi Capitals as he provides depth in the batting. In their previous two games, the DC fielded uncapped Indian all-rounder Lalit Yadav. He was supported by Ravichandran Ashwin and Amit Mishra in the game against Mumbai Indians. Notably, Axar could be given more time to recover and train, instead of playing straightaway.
IPL 2021: DC have won three matches so far
The Capitals presently occupy the third spot on the IPL 2021 points table. They defeated Chennai Super Kings in their opener before losing to Rajasthan Royals. After that, they claimed back-to-back victories against Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians. Delhi will next lock horns with Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 25 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
