The Board of Control for Cricket in India may be forced to name replacements for Suryakumar Yadav and Prithvi Shaw ahead of India’s Test series against England. It comes on the back of the fact that they’re currently in isolation after coming in close contact with covid-19 positive Krunal Pandya.

The Indian batsmen were supposed to leave for England on July 30. However, they will be in isolation till August 2 as per protocols. Although the covid rules in England are moderately relaxed, the Indian duo is unlikely to be allowed to enter.

“We can’t say anything with certainty at this stage. We have to observe them for the next couple of days to decide – whether to announce new replacements or not,” a BCCI source was quoted as saying to InsideSport.

Earlier, the plan was for India’s batsmen, Suryakumar and Shaw, to leave for England on July 30. Following which they would undergo a 10-day quarantine. Then, they would join the Indian contingent ahead of the second Test that will start at Lord’s on August 12. However, a wrench has been thrown in their plans now.

England’s covid protocols make it impractical to send Suryakumar Yadav and Prithvi Shaw

The England government’s rules for people deemed to be in close contact dictate a mandatory 10-day minimum self-isolation for a person coming from abroad. On top of that, they have to go through another 10-day quarantine if they’re from India and Sri Lanka. The two Asian countries are currently on England’s red list and so the complications increase.

Suryakumar and Shaw will have to serve the period first in Colombo till August 6. Then, they will leave for England and undergo quarantine upon landing. To enter the bio-bubble, they will have to serve another 3-day isolation period. During this, the batsmen need to return 3 negative covid-19 tests.

At best, they will be available for selection in the last two Tests against England. This will most likely do more harm than good to everyone involved. Therefore, BCCI could ponder over other options before it’s too late.