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Royal Challengers Bangalore opening batsman Devdutt Padikkal has tested positive for COVID-19. According to a report in the Times of India, the Karnataka batsman is currently under quarantine. This makes him the third player to test positive for the virus just a week ahead of the mega tournament. Padikkal was in great form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and emerged as the second-highest run-getter in the tournament. The 20-year-old amassed 737 runs from seven games at an average of 147.40.
Devdutt Padikkal developed as one of the biggest revelations of IPL 2020, courtesy of his fine run at the top order for the Bengaluru franchise. In what was only his second season in the Indian Premier League, the left-hander won hearts with his consistency, temperament and maturity. He returned with 473 runs in his 15 IPL matches at an average of 31.53.
DC all-rounder Axar Patel tests positive for COVID-19
DC’s star player Axar Patel had also tested positive for the virus on Saturday. The 27-year-old is under the supervision of the team's official medical staff. As per IPL rules, Patel will have to serve a mandatory 10-day quarantine period. He also has to return two negative RT-PCR results on the final two days to yield back to action. Considering his mandatory quarantine will be over on April 12, Axar Patel will not be available for the first match against Chennai on April 10. The all-rounder might also miss the second game on April 15 against Rajasthan Royals.
Meanwhile, Nitish Rana, who plays for KKR, had also contracted COVID but resumed practice with the other team members after returning negative on Saturday. CSK has also suffered a blow as a member of the content team has tested positive for the virus. This is not the first instance that IPL teams have been jolted by the novel virus, even before the first ball of the league has been bowled. Three-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings had found themselves in an identical situation in the last tournament in UAE.
Also, ten ground staffs at the Wankhede Stadium have tested positive for COVID-19. It is the venue for the second game of the season between Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings. The IPL 14 is set to commence on April 9. Defending champions and five-time IPL winners Mumbai Indians will face Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore in the tournament opener.