Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
In match number 66 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, Delhi Capitals defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) by six wickets at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. However, the defeat for PBKS denied them the top of the table finish, but they were boasted of the return of the two Australian stars, namely Marcus Stonis and Josh Inglis.
Stonis, who played a crucial inning of 16-ball 44*, also bowled an expensive spell, conceding 21 runs in his 1.3 overs. However, his performance with the bat went in vain, but the Aussie all-rounder was happy to return to his franchise after a break, which was forced due to escalated tensions at the borders between India and Pakistan.
I had COVID-19: Marcus Stoinis reveals reason behind his delayed arrival to India
Speaking after his unbeaten 44-run knock, Marcus Stonis revealed that he was suffering from COVID-19 and did not get some practice time before taking the field in the match. "I actually didn't have any nets before this game. Unfortunately, I had Covid-19 which we don't speak about much anymore. It was a nice welcome home. I rested at my home and then came back here," said Stoinis.
It is to be noted that Stonis, along with his other Aussie teammates, returned to Australia during the tournament suspension. However, he then returned just a few days prior to last night’s match, he had a memorable outing in the middle. Speaking during the mid-inning break, Stonis said, “It's always difficult when you go out in the middle at the end and go one mode. It was really good for me there. I was surprised that they didn't bowl much slower balls as I was setting up quite early. That's probably something we could do. It's a really good surface.”
The Shreyas Iyer-led PBKS will next take on five-time champions, Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Monday, May 26 in their final league stage fixture, hoping to secure a top of the table finish in the IPL 2025 standings.
