Delhi Capitals received a big blow on Sunday as Ravichandran Ashwin decides to take a break from IPL 2021. The off-spinner wants to stay with his family that is currently battling coronavirus. Ashwin will be staying in Chennai after the win against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Saturday, while the rest of the squad will be travelling to Ahmedabad for the next few games.
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 @DelhiCapitals 🙏🙏
— Mask up and take your vaccine🙏🙏🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) April 25, 2021
Ravichandran Ashwin has been a key player for Delhi in IPL 2021. The experienced off-spinner has played all five games until now and picked up one wicket in five games but bowled some tight spells to help his team to clinch victory.
Ashwin has been vocal on Twitter in the last few days regarding the deteriorating situation in India due to the second wave of coronavirus. Delhi Capitals released a statement on Sunday night showing their support for Ashwin and his family. Ashwin has insisted that if the situation improves, then he will be joining up the squad for the latter stages of the tournament. Delhi is on track to qualify for playoffs, so they are likely to play at least eight more games.
Delhi Capitals is already without Shreyas Iyer for IPL 2021 as his shoulder injury ruled out of this tournament. The absence of Ashwin will leave a big hole in the squad due to his enormous skill and experience. DC did receive a boost this week after Axar Patel returned to action after recovering from coronavirus. The spin bowling all-rounder played a vital role in the victory against SRH on Sunday.
India has been breaking world records regarding the number of cases per day in the last week. Amidst this tragic situation across the country, IPL 2021 has come under scrutiny. The tournament is unlikely to be suspended as of now, but more players deciding to leave the bubble could force BCCI to make a swift decision.