Faf expected to play upcoming DC game, says Axar when asked about the veteran South African’a availability.
Faf du Plessis, the Delhi Capitals (DC) vice-captain, hasn’t played since April 10.
The captain of DC, Axar Patel, is unsure of du Plessis’s current fitness status and has not disclosed the specifics of the injury, but he hopes to return for Saturday’s away match against Gujarat Titans (GT).
“I had been told that he wouldn’t be able to play three matches – that’s the time he needs to recover – and two matches are done,” Axar said after DC’s Super Over win against Rajasthan Royals (RR). “Maybe he will play the Gujarat game. But the physio has to confirm how his rehab has been going.”
In the 17th over of the chase, Kuldeep Yadav tumbled severely while trying to field a ball in the deep, raising further concerns about injuries for DC. After the physiotherapist examined his bowling shoulder, he left right away.
“I have no update on Kuldeep yet,” Axar said. “If something serious had happened, then we would have known by now.”
Following an overhead hit by Rajat Patidar against RCB, du Plessis made a quick run from extra cover off of Axar’s bowling. He was unable to reach the ball, and he left after the eighth over was finished. Later, he opened the innings with two runs off of seven balls.
He was absent from DC’s April 5 matchup with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Axar had simply stated at the time that “Faf isn’t fit.”
Even though DC has continued to accumulate victories with or without du Plessis, they would like to have him back in their lineup as soon as possible.
They have found a reliable alternative in Abishek Porel, who is currently DC’s second-highest run-scorer after KL Rahul with 156 runs from six innings at a strike rate of 143.11. The victory over RR was their fifth in six games.
Jake Fraser-McGurk, who has participated in all six games thus far, is the cause for concern, as he has only managed to score 55 runs at a strike rate of 105.76 with a best of 38. Tristan Stubbs is playing well for DC, collecting 163.44 points and average 76.00. When he returns, du Plessis may force Fraser-McGurk off the team.