Delhi Capitals (DC) head coach Ricky Ponting has extended his support to Ravichandran Ashwin after the experienced spinner decided to take a break from the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL 2021) to support his family currently battling the COVID-19 pandemic.
R Ashwin announced his decision to pull out of the IPL 2021 on Twitter after playing against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Sunday (April 25), however, the spinner has mentioned that he might return to play if things go “in the right direction”.
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Taking to Twitter on Monday, the spinner wrote, “I would be taking a break from this years’ IPL from tomorrow. My family and extended family are putting up a fight against #COVID19 and I want to support them during these tough times. I expect to return to play if things go in the right direction. Thank you.”
Reacting to the same, Ponting has expressed his hope to see Ashwin back in action in the ongoing IPL 14 at some stage. Presently, DC is at second place in the points table with 8 points from 5 matches
DC head coach commented on Ashwin's tweet by saying: “Stay safe, look after your family, and hopefully we will see you soon.”
Meanwhile, Akshar Patel had tested positive for COVID-19 before the start of IPL 2021 and he had to miss DC’s initial matches in the ongoing T20 league.
He returned in the last IPL 14 contest against SRH and made a quick impression by taking 2 wickets and a key super over for just 7 runs that they later won against Hyderabad in Chennai on Sunday.
The spinner said he was not thinking too much about COVID-19 when he tested positive for the deadly virus and was just focusing on how to work on the basics.
Patel said: “I was ready, the team management asked me how I was feeling, they asked me about my body and whether it will be able to take the pressure. They asked me whether I can play and then I said that I match ready. After that, it was the decision of the management.”
He signed off by saying, “Before Covid-19, I was bowling nicely. I carried that confidence, I was not thinking much about Covid-19 and after testing negative for Covid-19, if I keep thinking about my positive Covid-19 test. The teammates used to call me and talk to me. I was looking to back my rhythm. I was following the basics, I spent some time in the nets.”
Noteworthy, DC will next take on Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Tuesday (April 27) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad in the ongoing IPL 14.
(With ANI Inputs)
