IPL 2024: Will Injured David Warner Be Available For Delhi Capitals?

Australia opener David Warner has been ruled out of the final T20I of the ongoing bliateral series at Eden Park in Auckland against Trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand due to an adductor injury.

Warner, who had played the series opener in Wellington, had missed the second T20I due to the same issue, and has now been forced out of his final bilateral series appearance for Australia.

But in a boost for Delhi Capitals, Warner, who led the side in 2023 season in the absence of Rishabh Pant, is expected to be fit and ready for the start of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, scheduled to start on March 22.

Cricket Australia announced on Saturday (February 24) that the left-handed opener will be out for short time, forcing him out of the third T20I against New Zealand, but the injury will not affect his involvement in the IPL or the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024.

"Warner will require a brief recovery period which is not expected to affect his availability for the upcoming Indian Premier League leading into the ICC Men's T20 World Cup," a CA statement said.

Warner, who has already retired from the Test and ODI format, will require at least 7 to 10 days to recover, signalling the end of the opening batter's bilateral career with his T20I journey coming to an end at the upcoming T20 World Cup in June.

While he misses the T20I against New Zealand, Warner's availability for the start of IPL 2024 will come as a huge boost to Delhi Capitals, who have also received positive updates on their skipper Rishabh Pant's fitness ahead of the new season.

Delhi Capitals will take on Punjab Kings in the IPL 2024 opener on March 23 at the PCA Stadium in Mohali followed by a trip to Jaipur to face Rajasthan Royals before they play their home matches in Vizag against Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders.

In the final fixture in the 21-days schedule announced by BCCI, DC will face five-time champions Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.