Delhi Capitals (DC) get a major overseas boost ahead of their crucial clash against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on April 28. DC’s overseas recruits Mitchell Marsh and Tim Seifert have recovered from Covid-19 and have joined the training camp. The Delhi-based franchise announced the news a day before the match.
Marsh was hospitalised after he had a CT value of 17 before their clash against Punjab Kings (PBKS) which led to the change in venue of fixture. On the day of PBKS encounter on April 20, Seifert contracted the virus and was quarantined.
Who will get a chance?
It is not yet clear whether the duo will be available for selection straightaway. Sarfaraz Khan has not lived upto expectations in the absence of big names. Even if both of them are fit, only one will walk into the side. The reason behind it is Rovman Powell finding his form after a string of disappointing scores. Powell contributed with a sensational 15-ball 36 which included three consecutive sixes in the final over.
Marsh, Seifert’s performances so far
Marsh looked rusty on his Delhi debut as he scored a 24-ball 14 which turned out to be the difference between two teams while chasing 190 against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Also, Seifert did not make his mark as an opener in the absence of David Warner which led to him getting dropped from their side.
Ponting joins camp too
DC coach Ricky Ponting has joined the camp as well after serving five-day mandatory quarantine as one of his family members tested positive for the virus which led to him missing the encounter against Rajasthan Royals (RR).
"There's no doubt we've had it tougher than the other teams so far. Hopefully, we throw that COVID stuff now and are on the other side. And it's probably a really good definitive cut-off point - the halfway time of the season. We can reassess and readjust and get on with, hopefully, dominating the second half of this tournament," Ponting said in a release by DC.
DC are currently in the seventh spot with three wins from seven games. On the other hand, Shreyas Iyer-led KKR are placed eighth with three wins from eight games. The major positive for DC is their net run rate (NRR) which is best among all franchises.