With less than a week before the launch of the IPL 2021, the runners-up from the previous season have stepped forward. The Delhi Capitals were dealt a major blow on Saturday when all-rounder Axar Patel tested positive for coronavirus. The Delhi-based franchise reported in a press release that the player checked into the team hotel on March 28 with a negative report, but his second Covid test came out positive. “Axar Patel, an all-rounder for the Delhi Capitals, has tested positive for COVID-19. On March 28, 2021, he checked into the team hotel in Mumbai with a disappointing report. His second COVID test resulted in a positive result “In a statement, the Delhi Capitals said

“He is currently being treated in isolation at a medical facility. The medical staff of the Delhi Capitals is in close contact with Axar, maintaining his safety and well-being. We wish him the best of luck in his rehabilitation “It was also added.

On April 10, the Delhi Capitals will face the three-time champion Chennai Super Kings in their season opener in Mumbai.

According to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), any player who tests positive for Covid-19 shall isolate himself for 10 days from the first day of symptoms or the date of collection of the sample that resulted in a positive RT-PCR study, whichever comes first.

“The person must rest and refrain from exercising during the 10-day isolation period. The case should be monitored by the team doctor on a daily basis. The person must be hospitalised immediately if symptoms escalate during isolation, according to the BCCI SOP.

“On Days 9 and 10 of the 10-day isolation, the participant will have an RT-PCR test.” The person will be able to re-enter the bio-secure area if all test findings from Days 9 and 10 are negative and he has not had any symptoms for more than 24 hours.

Before returning to any squad operations, athletes must perform a cardiac screening.

The IPL 2021 will kick off on April 9 in Chennai, with the reigning champions Mumbai Indians taking on Virat Kohli’s Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).