IPL 2019: Hashal Patel Ruled Out of Rest of the Tournament Confirms Delhi Capitals Head Coach Ricky Ponting
Apr 11, 2019 at 8:47 PM
Delhi Capitals all-rounder Harshal Patel has been ruled out of the rest of Vivo IPL 12 after he fractured his right hand. DC head coach Ricky Ponting on Thursday revealed that Harshal Patel won’t take any further part in the tournament owing to the fracture on his hand. Ricky Ponting stated that Harshal Patel has been ruled out for at least 3-4 weeks which basically rules him out of the tournament. Hence they have to look for a like for like replacement.
“He has suffered a fracture in his right hand in the game against Kings XI (on April 1). It took us a few days to actually get to the bottom of that fracture. He’s had some X-Rays. He’s been ruled out for three-four weeks which basically ruled him out of the tournament. We need to find a replacement,” Ponting said during a press conference ahead of their clash against the Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
Harshal Patel was part of the Delhi Capitals playing XI on just 2 occasions in the 6 games DC has played so far in the season. He was impressive against the Kolkata Knight Riders during the tied match and bagged two crucial wickets of Robin Uthappa and Nitish Rana. He conceded 37 runs in the next encounter and was subsequently left out.
Meanwhile, Ricky Ponting also gave an update on reserve opener Manjot Kalra. He got a niggle in his right arm and needs to clear a fitness test ahead of the match. Kalra was bought by the Delhi Capitals during the auction but hasn’t played a single match yet. The left-handed batsman scored a match-winning century in the final of the 2018 U-19 World Cup against Australia which helped the Indian Junior team lift the title.
“We need him to pass a full fitness test today. So that’s the reason we’ve got as many guys here on trial,” Ponting told reporters.
Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals is having an up and down tournament so far. They have won 3 out of the 6 matches they have played so far. They have some exceptional players but they have not managed to finish games for Delhi. They need to pull up their socks and start winning on a consistent if they harbour hopes of qualifying for the playoffs. Delhi Capitals will take on Kolkata Knight Riders in the 26th match of the tournament tomorrow.