IPL 2021: Delhi Capitals Seek Clarity On Availability Of South African Pacers

Delhi Capitals have sought clarity from the BCCI over the availability of the two South African fast bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje following the announcement of the series against Pakistan. Anrich Nortje and Kagiso  Rabada were sensational in last year’s IPL and topped the bowling charts for the Delhi Capitals. The latter went on to become the purple cap holder for the IPL 2020.

Nortje who was not in the squad initially was added as a replacement, but later on, went on to become a key factor in Delhi’s road to playoffs. He produced the best over of the tournament against the likes of Jos Buttler cracking up speeds of nearly 155 km/hr and was the fastest bowler in the tournament last year. He finished with 22 wickets in the tournament as the fourth highest in IPL 2020.

Recent Announcement Of Series Against Pakistan

South Africa who is currently on the tour to Pakistan has announced that it will be hosting Pakistan in the month of April. After a dismal performance in recent times, South Africa will look to seek their revenge back in the home series against Pakistan. With a lot of South African players being picked in the IPL auction, this will be a huge concern for the franchises like CSK who rely on Faf Du Plessis and Lungi Ngidi.

The South African players might miss two weeks of IPL action between April 2 to 16 if they take part in the series against Pakistan. RCB will happy that De Villiers will stay with the team throughout the IPL as he has announced his retirement from international cricket already. In the testing times of Covid, and the quarantine protocols, the players could take longer to reach the destinations

Delhi Capitals Looking For Their Maiden Trophy

Delhi Capitals who recently made it to their first final in the thirteen seasons of IPL will have a tough road ahead if they lose the South African fast bowlers. Apart from Ishant Shama, Delhi doesn’t have experienced Indian bowlers which could be a cause for them going into the tournament. They will need a backup for Marcus Stoinis in the middle order too.

The IPL Auction will get underway on February 18 in Chennai.