India’s wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant had tested positive for Covid-19 ahead of the five-match test series against England. He was in isolation at a relative’s place in the UK.
“Yes, one player has tested positive but he has been in isolation for the last eight days. He was not staying in any hotel with the team, so no other player has been affected,” BCCI Vice President Rajiv Shukla told PTI.
Along with Rishabh Pant, India’s throw-down specialist Dayanand Garani had also returned positive for the virus. Bowling coach Bharat Arun and wicket-keeper Wriddhiman Saha were also in isolation as they were deemed as close contacts.
As per reports, Rishabh Pant has recovered from the virus as his tests returned negative. He will join the Indian team bio-bubble in Durham soon. However, he won’t be a part of India’s tour match against County X1, which will be played on Tuesday, July 20. He is expected to play the second match which will be played later this month.
KL Rahul is likely to keep wickets for India in Rishabh Pant’s absence
KL Rahul who is part of the Indian squad as a third opener is likely to keep wickets in the tour match at Durham.
“Both Pant and Saha will be unavailable for the team’s practice game against Combined County XI at Chester-le-Street at Durham from July 20, which means KL Rahul should be going the glovework in that game. However, Pant should be able to make it to the team’s second practice match – an intra-squad game from July 28,” TOI quoted a source as saying.
The first of the two tour matches will be played at Emirates Riverside ground in Durham on July 20. The match will be live-streamed on Durham Cricket’s Youtube channel.
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