IPL 2021: Quinton de Kock to not feature in MI’s opening game; Chris Lynn set to replace the South African

IPL 2021: Quinton de Kock to not feature in MI’s opening game; Chris Lynn set to replace the South African

Quinton de Kock

The 14th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is all set to go ahead as scheduled despite a huge spike in the number of COVID-19 cases in the country. The BCCI is taking widespread steps to smoothly conduct IPL 2021 and a big part of the process are the bio-secure protocols. The protocols require a player to undergo quarantine before joining his side’s bio-bubble.

These new set rules have ruled out the South African stars from featuring in the first game of their respective franchises. As many as five Protea stars have left the Pakistan tour in the middle to join play in IPL 2021. Having joined the IPL late late, after the secon ODI, the South Africans will have to undergo a quarantine of 14 days.

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The list of Protea stars who will be missing their team’s first games in the tournament include Chennai Super Kings’ Lungi Ngidi, Mumbai Indians’ Quinton de Kock, Delhi Capitals’ Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje, and Rajasthan Royals’ David Miller.

Thus, for today’s match between RCB and MI, Quinton de Kock will not be available meaning that Chris Lynn could take his place in the XI.

Adam Zampa getting married, to miss RCB’s first game

Adam Zampa
Adam Zampa

Aussie leg-spinner Adam Zampa will be missing Royal Challengers Bangalore‘s (RCB) first fixture in IPL 2021 as he is getting married, confirmed Mike Hesson, franchise’s Director of Cricket. RCB is set to play the tournament opener against Mumbai Indians on April 9 in Chennai.

RCB will also miss the services of opener Devdutt Padikkal who tested positive for COVID-19. According to reports from India.com, Padikkal has reportedly tested negative for COVID-19 and he would be back in training very soon for the franchise. But it is unlikely for him to play the tournament opener. DC’s Axar Patel will also be missing his side’s first game CSK after contracting the virus.

The IPL begins on today with the match between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore in Chennai.

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