The Delhi Capitals have been dealt a major blow ahead of their second game against the Rajasthan Royals on Thursday, as their leading pacer Anrich Nortje has tested positive for COVID-19.
Sources said, "He came in with a negative report, but has unfortunately tested positive now while undergoing quarantine".
According to the BCCI SOP for a COVID positive test, the person in question must be isolated outside the bio-secure bubble for ten days starting on the first day of symptoms or the date of sample selection.
Nortje is the franchise's second player to test positive for the virus. Axar Patel had previously tested positive before the start of the new season. He is also being kept in quarantine.
Other South African players who arrived in India with Anrich Nortje for the IPL include Kagiso Rabada, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, and Quinton de Kock. Rabada is a member of the Delhi Capitals.
After completing the seven-day quarantine era, de Kock played his first match of the new season for Mumbai Indians on Tuesday.
In addition to Axar and Nortje, the Delhi Capitals will be without first-choice captain Shreyas Iyer, who has been ruled out of the tournament due to a shoulder injury. Rishabh Pant, the wicketkeeper-batsman, is leading the team in his absence.
The Capitals beat Chennai Super Kings by seven wickets in their first game of the season. The DC chased down the 189-run total.
IPL 2021: Delhi Capitals Pacer Anrich Nortje Tests Positive For Covid-19
The South African pacer tested positive for COVID-19 while in quarantine.
