Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Delhi Capitals fast bowler Anrich Nortje has tested positive for the coronavirus. It will be a massive blow for the franchise considering Nortje was one of the key architects of taking Delhi to the final of the IPL 2020 in the UAE.

Anrich Nortje flew to India along with his South African teammate Kagiso Rabada after playing in the second ODI against Pakistan at home.  After landing in Mumbai, Anrich Nortje was undergoing seven days of mandatory quarantine and didn’t take part in Delhi Capitals’ first game against Chennai Super Kings.

Anrich Nortje tested COVID-19 positive

He came to India with a negative report, but somehow he has contracted the deadly virus. He is the second Delhi Capitals cricketer after Axar Patel to test COVID-19 positive. In the last season, Anrich Norjte accounted for 22 wickets from 12 matches with the best figures of three for 33.

“He came in with a negative report, but has unfortunately tested positive now while undergoing quarantine,” a report in ANI stated.

According to the BCCI SOP for a COVID positive test, the concerned person will have to undergo a 10-day isolation period outside the bio-secure bubble from the first day of symptoms or the date of collection of sample. As a result, Anrich Nortje will miss a couple of upcoming encounters. However, they are expected to receive a massive boost with Kagiso Rabada joining the training session and is likely to take part in the next game.

Delhi Capitals under their new skipper Rishabh Pant made a swashbuckling start to their IPL 2021 campaign. They chased down a target of 188 as Prithvi Shaw and Shikhar Dhawan set the stage on fire with their stunning opening partnership against CSK.

Delhi Capitals will next take on Rajasthan Royals at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on April 15 (Thursday).