IPL 2021, DC pacer Nortje tests positive for COVID-19: Report
In what comes as a huge blow for Delhi Capitals, pace spearhead Anrich Nortje has tested positive for COVID-19. Although the franchise hasn't confirmed the same, the sources in the know of developments said that the Proteas pacer tested positive while undergoing quarantine. As per reports, Nortje remains asymptomatic at the moment, with results of a further test awaited today. Here is more.
Norjte was undergoing seven days of quarantine
Nortje, who featured in the series against Pakistan, played two ODIS against Pakistan before flying to India in order to take part in the IPL. After landing in Mumbai, Nortje reportedly tested negative and was undergoing seven days of mandatory quarantine. The fast bowler, along with his teammate Kagiso Rabada, missed the opening game of Delhi Capitals against Chennai Super Kings.
A look at the recent developments
Ahead of this season, DC received a similar blow as all-rounder Axar Patel tested positive for COVID-19. Earlier, Mumbai Indians scout Kiran More, and RCB's Daniel Sams and Devdutt Padikkal had tested positive. The DC are also without the services of Shreyas Iyer, who was ruled out with a shoulder injury. Youngster Rishabh Pant is leading the side in his place this season.
The BCCI SOP for IPL 2021
According to the BCCI SOP, the concerned player/support staff, who tests COVID-positive, must isolate in the designated area outside the bio-secure environment for a minimum of 10 days from the first day of symptoms or the date of sample collection (positive RT-PCR report), whichever is earlier.
The Rabada-Nortje duo was successful in 2020
The duo of Rabada and Nortje bowled some destructive spells in the previous edition of IPL. While the former bagged the Purple Cap with 30 wickets, Nortje snapped up 22 wickets at an average of 23.27. For the next few games, the Delhi Capitals could continue with Chris Woakes, who registered figures of 2/18 against Chennai Super Kings.
