Delhi Capitals (DC) all-rounder Akshar Patel has joined the squad to begin preparation for the ongoing IPL 2021 after recovering from COVID-19. He has been advised by captain Rishabh Pant and coach Ricky Ponting to keep a check on his body while training.
Akshar had checked into the team hotel in Mumbai on March 28, 2021, with a negative report, but got tested positive ahead of the tournament.
"Rishabh and Ricky sir have told me to train keeping in mind about how my body is reacting to practice drills in the next two-three days. We are not thinking ahead too much at the moment, we are just focusing on how my body is reacting to training sessions," said Akshar in a Delhi Capitals release.
The 27-year-old was excited to meet his teammates and prepare for the upcoming matches. He said coming out of quarantine after 20 days is the best feeling in his life after his Test debut.
"It has been really great to come out of quarantine after 20 days and meet my teammates. This is the best moment in my life after my Test debut. I was alone in my room for 20 days and I didn't have anything to do," he said.
"I was watching the matches and one good thing was that our team won most of the matches, so I got even more motivated to re-join the side. It's been great to start practicing with the team and I am happy about my preparations," he added.
Akshar attended his first training session with the team on Wednesday (April 21). "I have started batting and bowling practice, but I haven't pushed too hard during training. I have spoken to the doctors about how I should go about my training, and I am carrying out my practice according to their suggestions," he said.
Delhi Capitals have played four matches till now and they will face Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday (April 25) at Chepauk.
