Less than a week ahead of the beginning of the much-awaited 14th edition of Indian Premier League, Delhi Capitals all-rounder Axar Patel tested positive for the novel coronavirus. It was earlier reported that 8 groundsmen at Wankhede stadium tested positive for the virus as well.

Axar Patel is the second cricketer to be diagnosed with the virus as Kolkata's middle-order batsman Nitish Rana tested positive for Covid-19 a few days ago. Besides the groundsmen, it has also been reported that a member of Chennai Super Kings' content team has tested positive for the virus and is currently put under isolation. Delhi Capitals issued a statement which read, "Axar Patel had checked into the team hotel in Mumbai on March 28, 2021, with a negative report. His report from the second COVID test, came positive. He is currently in isolation at a designated medical care facility. The Delhi Capitals medical team is in constant touch with Axar and ensuring his safety and well-being. We wish him a speedy recovery."

According to the BCCI SOP, "A player who tests positive for Covid-19 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 collection of the sample which resulted in a positive RT-PCR report, whichever is earlier. During the 10-day isolation, the individual must rest and avoid any exercises. The team doctor should regularly monitor the case. If symptoms worsen during the course of isolation, the individual must be hospitalised immediately." Delhi Capitals will be playing their first match of IPL 2021 against CSK on April 10 in Mumbai.

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