IPL 2021: R Ashwin takes a break from tournament as family battles coronavirus

Ravichandran Ashwin has announced that he will be taking a break from IPL 2021. In a tweet, Ashwin stated that he will not be playing in the tournament from Monday as his family is battling with the coronavirus pandemic. The offspinner reiterated that he wanted to support them during these tough times and he expects to return if things go in the right direction. Delhi Capitals have tweeted that the franchise has extended full support to Ravichandran Ashwin in these tough times. 

The protocols for any player joining the bio bubble after leaving it once will require them to have a period of quarantine in the hotel before entering the bubble again. This could mean that Ashwin could be out of the entire IPL 2021 or for a significant portion.

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 ??

— Stay home stay safe! Take your vaccine?? (@ashwinravi99) April 25, 2021

? UPDATE ?

Ravichandran Ashwin has decided to take a break from #IPL2021 to support his family in the fight against #COVID19, with the option to return should things get better.

We at Delhi Capitals extend him our full support ?#YehHaiNayiDilli pic.twitter.com/A9BFoPkz7b

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) April 25, 2021

Following the announcement, Irfan Pathan and Pragyan Ojha also tweeted to Ashwin to remain strong. This means that Delhi Capitals’ game against Sunrisers Hyderabad would potentially be Ashwin’s last match in the tournament. The game was a classic as it went into the Super Over. The coronavirus pandemic is ravaging India in the second wave, with over 350,000 cases every day.

First tied game in IPL 2021

Delhi Capitals had reached 159 on the back of some solid batting from the top order. In response, Kane Williamson hammered 66 and stayed till the end. However, it was Jagadeesa Suchith’s two fours and a six that took the game to the Super Over. In the Super Over, Axar Patel restricted Sunrisers Hyderabad to just seven runs. There was drama on the last ball as there was one short run courtesy David Warner.

In response, Rashid Khan tried to keep Sunrisers Hyderabad in the game. Although he was hit for a four third ball by Rishabh Pant, he still took the game to the final ball. However, Pant and Shikhar Dhawan held their nerve as they scampered through for a legbye to win the clash.

With this win, Delhi Capitals have eight points from five games and are in second spot. Chennai Super Kings are at the top of their table after beating Royal Challengers Bangalore by a huge margin in Mumbai.