The Delhi Capitals will gain a major boost as speedster Kagiso Rabada is out of quarantine and available for selection for their second game of the IPL 2021 on Thursday against the Rajasthan Royals at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Kagiso Rabada along with 4 other South African players – David Miller, Quinton de Kock, Anrich Norje, and Lungi Ngidi – missed the first match for their respective teams as they were serving their mandatory week quarantine after flying in India immediately after the second ODI of the home series against Pakistan.
Now Kagiso Rabada, who was the purple cap holder last season with 30 wickets and spearheaded the Capitals to the final, is expected to slot in the eleven straightaway. The franchise announced on its social media.
However, it would be interesting to see who he replaces after the Capitals trumped Chennai Super Kings in their first match.
IPL 2021: Kagiso Rabada ready for action
It would be harsh on Chris Woakes to be dropped after bowling brilliantly against CSK returning with figures of 3-0-18-2; Rishabh Pant, the newly-appointed Capitals skipper, could also ponder over dropping Shimron Hetmyer considering Woakes’ prowess with the new ball and trust the batters to come good once again on batting-friendly surface in Mumbai.
AG, OG, Lo G, Here comes KG ?
Drop a ? if you're excited for @KagisoRabada25's return ?
#YehHaiNayiDilli #IPL2021 pic.twitter.com/VJDo5EMyXD— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) April 14, 2021
Anrich Nortje’s quarantine extended, not available for the Rajasthan game
While Kagiso Rabada has linked up with the team, his national and Capitals pace bowling partner, Anrich Nortje is asked to extend his stay in isolation. While some earlier reports suggested the speedster had returned a positive covid-19 result, and hence he will continue to live in quarantine. In a recent report in ESPNcricinfo, there has been a delay in getting Nortje’s covid result.
Apart from Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje too took the IPL 2020 by storm with his express pace – he delivered the fastest recorded delivery in the competition last season. Nortje was the fourth-highest wicket-taker last year with 22 scalps to his name.
As for the Royals are concerned, Sanju Samson’s side has been hit a massive blow as Ben Stokes is ruled out of the tournament owing to a finger injury. David Miller is out of quarantine too and is likely to replace Stokes.