New Delhi, July 15: Wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant and throwdown specialist Dayanand Garani tested positive for COVID-19, while three others were placed in precautionary isolation as the dreaded virus hit the Indian cricket team ahead of next month’s Test series against hosts England.
Bowling coach Bharath Arun, reserve wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha were put in isolation for having come in contact with Garani along with standby opener Abhimanyu Easwaran. Garani’s COVID report came this morning.
The team will undergo daily COVID tests from now on. “Pant, who had not stayed in the team hotel during the break period, tested positive on 8th July. He is asymptomatic and currently undergoing self-isolation at the place where he reported positive,” BCCI sectetary Jay Shah said in an official statement.
“He is being closely monitored by the BCCI Medical Team and is on his way to recovery. He will be able to join the squad in Durham after returning two negative RT-PCR tests,” he added.
“The four personnel will undergo 10-day isolation and will remain in their respective rooms in the team hotel in London,” the BCCI said.
Pant, Easwaran and Saha will miss the practice match scheduled to start on July 20 against a combined county side with both Bengal players along with Arun in 10-day isolation. Pant will also need recovery time and won’t play the game. In that case, KL Rahul will keep against Combined Counties from July 20-22.
It can be assumed that Pant, who got his second vaccine shot on July 7, had contracted the Delta-3 variant prior to the vaccination. The development comes close on the heels of BCCI secretary Jay Shah sending an e-mail to the Indian contingent, warning it about the rising cases of COVID-19 in the United Kingdom.
Pant was seen attending a Euro championship match last month and had even posted pictures on his social media accounts. He underwent a test after experiencing low grade fever.
Shah, in his letter, told the players to “avoid” crowded places as Covishield, the vaccine which has been given to the team, only provides protection, not full immunity against the virus.
In fact, Shah’s letter had specifically stated that players should avoid going to the Wimbledon and Euro Championships, both of which recently concluded there.
The Indian team is due to take on England in a five-match Test series starting August 4. (PTI)
