IPL 2021: Anrich Nortje Raring To Get Into The Thick Of Things Following An Extended Stay In Isolation

Ten days of isolation proved to be ‘quite a lot’ for South African and Delhi Capitals bolter Anrich Nortje, who is looking to get straight into the thick of things in IPL 2021 after having joined the franchise bio-bubble ahead of his first game of the season against Punjab Kings on Sunday night.

Nortje had to stay in isolation for an extended period of time due to a false positive Covid-19 test. However, the fast bowler has now joined the squad after having returned negative for three successive tests and the young Proteas cricketer is now looking to get stuck in what will be his maiden outing in the IPL in Indian conditions.

”Ten days in the room was quite a lot for me. It was nice to get out, run around and bowl a bit. I really enjoyed it and hopefully I can build it up from here on,” said Anrich Nortje in a press release issued by his franchise on Saturday.

Nortje, who was one of the breakout stars of the last season, said that every side in the IPL is competitive and that they cannot afford to underestimate anyone.

“There’s no team that’s got a bad team so every side is really competitive, and it can come off for anyone on any day. We are definitely not going to underestimate anyone and hopefully, we can bring our A-game,” Nortje said.

Speaking on the make-up of the Delhi Capitals squad in IPL 2021, Anrich Nortje said that while last years’ runners-up will miss the services of their regular skipper Shreyas Iyer, they still have pretty balanced squad, which can make the most of the conditions on offer.

 “We are unfortunately missing Shreyas (Iyer), but we definitely have a great combination of players. We have got a great bowling line-up as well.” Nortje said.

“It’s just about picking the right team on the right wicket and conditions. We definitely have a lot of options in our bowling line-up, which is really nice to have, and hopefully we can make the best of the conditions and the different players that we have got,” he added.

Anrich Nortje featured in 16 games last season, claiming as many as 22 wickets at an average of 23.27 and the Capitals will hope that the Proteas bolter will emulate his last season’s exploits in IPL 2021.

Also Read: IPL 2021: RCB All-Rounder Daniel Sams Recovers From COVID-19; Joins Team Bubble