Rajasthan Royals fielding coach, Dishant Yagnik has tested positive for the novel Coronavirus. The test was undertaken keeping in mind that the team members need to assemble in Mumbai next week for their flight to the UAE. The franchise implemented an extra test for all players, support staff and management travelling to the UAE in addition to the two tests recommended by BCCI, to ensure as robust a process as possible.
With the teams set to jet off in 10 days to the UAE for the 2020 season of the IPL, this does raise concerns. Rajasthan Royals took to their twitter handle to post the news regarding the positive case of their fielding coach.
Our fielding coach @Dishantyagnik77 has tested positive for COVID-19 in an extra round of testing done by the franchise. All other franchise members have tested negative to date. Full statement below.
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) August 12, 2020
Dishant has been a former player for the franchise, while also representing Rajasthan at the domestic level. Owing to the positive result of his case, he has been told to be admitted in his hometown, Udaipur’s hospital for his mandatory quarantine period.
The IPL 2020 season is all ready to resume after a hiatus of 6 months due to the ongoing pandemic. With a year marred by COVID-19, the IPL could finally come as a welcome relief for cricket lovers all over the world. The mega cash rich cricket league has never been anything short of a festival and this year has been dubbed as having the potential of being the biggest one yet.
“Post 14 days, Dishant will be undergoing two tests as per the protocols of BCCI. On return of two negative reports, he will be allowed to join the team after self-isolating for 6 days and receiving 3 further negative tests upon his arrival in the UAE,” said Rajasthan Royals in a statement.
“We request everyone who has been in close proximity to Dishant in the past 10 days to self-isolate and get tested for COVID-19,” the statement added.
The franchise also confirmed that no Rajasthan Royals or other IPL players have been in close proximity to Dishant in the past 10 days.
“We can confirm that no Rajasthan Royals or other IPL players have been in close proximity to Dishant in the past 10 days. We wish Dishant a speedy recovery and look forward to him joining the Royals camp soon in the UAE,” said the franchise.
The 13th edition of IPL is set to take place in the UAE from September 19 to November 10. The tournament got its necessary clearances from the government on Monday after the BCCI had announced its idea of hosting the tournament in UAE a couple of weeks ago.
