IPL 2021: Axar Patel recovers from Covid-19, joins Delhi Capitals squad

Delhi Capitals all-rounder Axar Patel has recovered from Covid-19 and he has joined the team’s bio-bubble squad, the franchise announced on Friday. Patel was earlier tested positive with the virus but now has fully recovered after spending three weeks in the medical care facility.

Patel was happy to see his teammates after a long gap and the happiness on his face was palpable. “Smiles and hugs all around as Bapu returned to the DC camp,” the Delhi Capitals tweeted with a video of Axar meeting his teammates.

“Aadmi dekh ke hi toh mujhe maza aa raha hai (I’m getting sheer joy just by seeing people),” Patel said in the video.

Meanwhile, Axar Patel was the second IPL player to have tested positive after Royal Challengers Bangalore opening batsman Devdutt Padikkal. In Axar’s absence, the Capitals had roped in young Mumbai left-arm spinner Shams Mulani as IPL’s first short-term COVID-19 replacement.

It was also reported that DC gun fast bowler Anrich Nortje had tested positive for Covid-19 but the franchise later confirmed that it was a false positive and the South African was never tested positive.

On the other hand, Axar Patel was the star of the show in the four-match Test series against England. Patel had breathed down the neck of the English batsmen as he had scalped 27 wickets in three Test matches at an impressive average of 10.59. Thus, Patel made a fine Test debut and didn’t let the team miss the services of Ravindra Jadeja, who was ruled out due to thumb injury.

Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals have got off to a good start as they have won three out of their four matches. DC also defeated the defending champions Mumbai Indians by six wickets in their last game.

Delhi Capitals is currently at the third place in the points table and they will face Sunrisers Hyderabad at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on Sunday.