The number of Covid positive cases in the Delhi Capitals’ camp has now increased to six, after New Zealand batsman Tim Seifert also tested positive ahead of Wednesday’s Indian Premier League encounter against the Punjab Kings.
The setback did not seem to hold Rishabh Pant’s men back, as they made short work of the Punjab Kings on Tuesday, shooting them out for 115 before chasing the paltry total down with more than nine overs to spare. Axar Patel was brilliant with the ball, picking up 2/10 in four overs, before Prithvi Shaw and David Warner tore apart the Punjab bowling attack.
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Physio Patrick Farhart was the first to test positive amongst the DC camp before therapist Chetan Kumar, all-rounder Mitchell Marsh, doctor Abhijit Salvi and social media worker Akash Mane returned positive reports as well.
The cases initially had put the game against PBKS in jeopardy, as there were reports that the match would be cancelled or postponed. However, the game was shifted from the MCA Stadium to the Brabourne Stadium, and all players and support staff were subjected to coronavirus tests ahead of the game. Only those who tested negative were allowed to take part in the encounter against Punjab.
“Our session yesterday was pushed back. The preparations haven’t been perfect and I addressed the group about the two options we have – we can drag our backsides around or we can take the positives around and realise that we are here for a big tournament with a great franchise,”
DC Chead coach Ricky Ponting said as he spoke about the Capitals’ preparations amidst the Covid cases.
“The tournament for us so far has been stop-start. I think it’s all there. The players are very aware of the way I want them to play,”
the Australian concluded.
