Rishabh Pant tests positive for COVID-19 in England 

India’s worst fear came true as wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant tested positive for COVID-19, ahead of the team’s five-match Test series against England starting on August 04, suggested few reports. The 23-year-old was detected with a deadly virus a week back and is currently asymptomatic.

The maverick wicketkeeper-batter had got a break, after competing in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final against New Zealand, which ended on June 23 in Southampton. After that, all the players along with their family members were seen exploring England. 

With the UK government easing the COVID-19 norms and also allowing capacity crowds to watch Euro Cup semis and final, Pant sensed an opportunity and went to watch a football match between England and Germany. Pant is said to be infected with Delta Variant of COVID-19 which has resulted in a spike in COVID-19 cases in England. Currently, Pant is in self-isolation at his relative’s place, while the rest of the squad has assembled in Durham. 

Rajiv Shukla confirms the reports of a player testing positive

The news of a player testing positive was confirmed by BCCI Vice President Rajiv Shukla. He, however, declined to disclose the name of the player

 “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. But I can’t divulge the name of the player,” BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla told CricketNext.

 “As of now, no other player has tested positive. Also, you must be aware our secretary Jay Shah has written a letter to all the players to maintain protocols,” Shukla added.

The Indian team will kick-start their England series at Trent Bridge on August 4. Ahead of the first Test, the team will play a three-day warm up game against select county championship XI from July 20 in Durham.