India cricketers Yuzvendra Chahal and Krishnappa Gowtham have tested positive for COVID-19 in Sri Lanka, on July 30.
A few days ago, Chahal and Gowtham, along with Prithvi Shaw, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Deepak Chahar, Manish Pandey and Ishan Kishan were asked to self-isolate after it was reported that they were in close contact with all-rounder Krunal Pandya, who had earlier contracted the virus on July 27.
As reported by ESPNCricinfo, Pandey, Chahar and Kishan will return home along with the rest of the Indian squad on Friday, July 30. However, given the stringent COVID-19 policies, Chahal, Gowtham and Krunal will be staying back in Colombo, until they return with negative tests and finish all formalities, before leaving for India.
Meanwhile, Mumbai cricketers Prithvi Shaw and Suryakumar Yadav, who have been picked for India’s five-match Test series against England in the United Kingdom (UK), starting August 4, have been asked to fly to England from Colombo.
The rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus resulted in India fielding several new faces, during the T20I leg of their Sri Lanka tour. As a part of the safety protocols, several leading cricketers who were in close contact with Krunal, were also barred from entering the R Premadasa cricket ground in Colombo.
In the end, a depleted India, led by Shikhar Dhawan lost the T20I series 1-2 to hosts Sri Lanka, despite winning the first game in convincing fashion. Dhawan had earlier led India to a 2-1 series win in the ODIs.
Featured photo: ISHARA S. KODIKARA / AFP
