India’s wicket-keeper batsman, Rishabh Pant has tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of his team’s five-match Test series against England.
According to PTI, the 23-year-old will not travel with the rest of the squad for a practice match in Durham as he has been in self-isolation for the past eight days. The report further states that he is asymptomatic at the moment.
"He is in quarantine at an acquaintance's place and won't be travelling with the team to Durham on Thursday," a BCCI source told PTI without divulging when the 23-year-old would join the squad.
BCCI vice-president, Rajiv Shukla confirmed the report and also added that the player was not staying in the hotel with the team, meaning that none of the players were affected.
"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. "As of now no other player has tested positive. Also you must be aware our secretary Jay Shah has written a letter to all players to maintain protocols."
Pant has been affected by the Delta variant of the virus, which has been a major concern for the rising cases in England. And the news about Pant testing positive comes after he was spotted attending the England versus Germany match during UEFA Euro 2020.
Good experience watching ⚽️. 🏴 vs 🇩🇪 pic.twitter.com/LvOYex5svE
— Rishabh Pant (@RishabhPant17) June 30, 2021
BCCI secretary Jay Shah recently sent a letter addressing the team where he urged the members to stay away from crowded places. It specifically mentioned that they should not attend sporting events like the Wimbledon and the Euro Championships.
The Indian cricket team will begin their England tour from August 4. Before that, the team will play a practice match which starts on July 20.
Featured photo: AFP / Glyn Kirk
