SL vs IND : Second T20I likely to be played today as players test negative

The second T20I between Sri Lanka and India is likely to be played today as the Indian squad has delivered negative COVID-19 results. The penultimate T20I was pushed back by a day to July 28 after all-rounder Krunal Pandya tested positive for COVID-19. The officials from both boards are confident that the second T20I will be played today. India are 1-0 up in the series after comprehensively winning the first T20I by 38 runs.

“Hopefully the match could be played today,” Cricbuzz quoted a top SLC official.

Meanwhile, it is learnt that Krunal Pandya was moved to hotel Mount Lavina while the rest of the players stayed at Hotel Taj Samudra in Colombo.

“Yes, we have moved Krunal to an intermediate care hotel Mount Lavinia,” confirmed SLC secretary Mohan de Silva.

Eight close contacts of Krunal Pandya were identified and tested for COVID-19 which was followed by the RT PCR tests of the entire contingent. However, everyone barring Pandya returned negative. Meanwhile, the availability of the eight close contacts of Pandya for the second T20I is in doubt.

Also, Suryakumar Yadav and Prithvi Shaw, who are set to join the India squad in England after being named as replacements for injured players might have to delay their departure after Suryakumar Yadav was identified as one of the close contacts and may have to serve certain days in isolation.

Pandya is the second Indian player to test positive for COVID-19. Earlier, Rishabh Pant was tested positive for COVID-19 in England.