"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 at the pre-match conference.
Patel has played two games for his franchise Delhi Capitals this season. He bagged 2/40 in the tied match against KKR, which Delhi won in the super over. He had conceded 0/37 in the 14-run dramatic loss against KXIP in Mohali.
Ponting further said left-handed top order batsman Manjot Kalra also has a niggle in his right arm and thus has to clear a fitness test.
"We need him to pass a full fitness test today. So that's the reason we've got as many guys here on trial."
The Shreyas Iyer-led side has had a mixed season so far. In six matches that Delhi Capitals have played, they have won three matches and have lost three matches. They will take on KKR on Friday.
(With PTI inputs)