New Zealand international Daryl Mitchell has left Rajasthan Royals' bio-bubble to join his national team in the United Kingdom for the upcoming Test-match series against England.
Mitchell will join the Blackcaps in Chelmsford for a practice match against the first-class counties XI on May 26. However, Trent Boult and James Neesham - who are also part of Rajasthan's squad - will remain with the team and travel to Motera for Qualifier 2.
In a video published by Rajasthan Royals, Kumar Sangakkara (RR's Director of Cricket) said, "Daryl's been with us right from the start, he's been an exceptional part of our group. He's done a huge amount for us in terms of energy, being the character that he is, helping out, supporting, playing, fielding, and getting to know each of us."
"So we have asked everyone from the start to give a little bit of themselves to the group, and Daryl has done an amazing job for us. We wish you very well for the series against England. There's a practice game on the 26th; we will (be) watching and supporting."
"It's obviously terrible to go at such an important moment," Mitchell responded, "but I will surely be following and looking forward to the video call of the (team) holding up the trophy."
The New Zealander played only two games for the inaugural champions, who Gujarat Titans stifled in Qualifier 1. However, the franchise still have a chance to qualify for the finals if they beat the winner of the Eliminator, which is being played between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bangalore in Kolkata.