Delhi Capitals and India all-rounder Axar Patel has tested positive for COVID-19 and is set to miss the team's IPL-opener on April 10 due to quarantine protocols.
Patel has been kept in isolation, the Delhi Capitals said on Saturday.
"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," the franchise said in a statement.
"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."
As per IPL protocol, Patel will have to serve a mandatory 10-day quarantine period and has to return two negative RT-PCR results on the final two days to return to action.
Since his quarantine period will be over on April 12, Patel will not be available for DC's opener against CSK on April 10 in Mumbai. He might miss the second game too on April 15 against Rajasthan Royals.
As per the BCCI SOP given to all franchises, the player, who tests COVID-19 positive, has to undergo a set of tests.
During the 10-day isolation, the individual will undergo an RT-PCR test on Day 9 and Day 10. Provided, both the test results from Day 9 and Day 10 are negative, and he/she does not have any symptoms for more than 24 hours, the individual will be permitted to re-enter the Bio-Secure Environment.
After recovery, players must undergo a cardiac screening before resuming any team activities, according to the protocol.
Axar recently got 27 wickets in three Tests in his debut series against England.
Patel is the second IPL player to have returned a positive report after Nitish Rana. The left-handed Kolkata Knight Riders batsman had initially tested positive for COVID-19 but later returned a negative report.
