IPL 2021: Delhi Capitals confirm Axar Patel has tested positive for Covid-19

After several groundstaff members at the Wankhede Stadium tested positive for COVID-19, Delhi Capitals' spinner Axar Patel has also tested positive for the novel coronavirus virus ahead of the new Indian Premier League (IPL 2021) season, according to reports.

Just seven days before DC's first game against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at Wankhede, the Delhi outfit has suffered a huge blow.

The franchise made an official announcement through a statement that read: "Delhi Capitals all-rounder Axar Patel has tested positive for COVID-19. He 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."

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After Kolkata Knight Riders' batsman Nitish Rana, Axar Patel is the second player to test positive for coronavirus. Rana though tested negative for coronavirus on Thursday after returning a positive result on March 22. Having undergone self-isolation after the positive result, he underwent a COVID-19 test on Thursday and tested negative.

According to BCCI's SOP, any players testing positive has to mandatorily 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 hospitalized immediately," the SOP states.

IPL preparations suffered a major hit when eight Wankhede groundstaff members tested positive for the virus.

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Maharashtra reported 47,827 new COVID-19 cases and 202 deaths on Friday with Mumbai registering the highest-ever single day spike of 8,832 new cases. It was the second day in a row that Mumbai recorded more than 8,500 cases.

Wankhede is set to host 10 IPL games this season from April 10-25. The first match at the Mumbai stadium is slated to be played on April 10 between Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings.

Four franchises -- Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings, and Rajasthan Royals -- have set up their base in Mumbai as of now.

(with inputs from ANI)