Xtra Time Web Desk: Team India wicket keeper batsman Rishabh Pant tested COVID-19 positive along with another cricketer who has now tested negative. Pant is still isolating at the relative’s place in London and will not accompany the rest of the squad to Durham on Thursday afternoon.
It is learnt the Indian team in England was alerted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah to avoid going to large gatherings like Wimbledon and Wembley stadium. As per reports, Shah, in his letter, told the players to “avoid” crowded places as Covishield only provides protection, not full immunity against the virus.
But the Indian players and support staff turned a deaf ear to BCCI Secretary’s cautionary mail. As a result two Indian cricketers has tested positive for COVID-19. It is believed the two cricketers were infected after they visited the Wembley stadium. Apart from Pant, Jasprit Bumtah and Hanuma Vihari too went to the Wembley stadium to watch the Euro 2020 action. In fact Team India Head Coach Ravi Shastri made a couple of visits to Wimbledon to watch the second round action of Roger Federer and the final involving Novak Djokovic. Off spinner Ravichandran Ashwin too visited the All England Lawn Tennis Club.
While the touring party in the UK is tight-lipped about the name of the player, it is understood that he has been afflicted by the Delta variant which has led to rising number of cases there.
Meanwhile the Indian squad will be travelling to Durham for a preparatory camp ahead of the five match test series against England which starts next month at Nottingham.