Indian wicket-keeper Batsman Rishabh Pant has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus in England and is currently in isolation. Pant is being quarantined at his relative’s home but is expected to rejoin the tour squad in Durham later. On Thursday, the Indian team will return to the bio-secure bubble in Durham, but without Pant.
As per the PTI report, sources in BCCI claimed that the player in question is wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant. “He (Pant) is in quarantine at an acquaintance’s place and won’t be travelling with the team to Durham on Thursday,” a BCCI source said.
According to sources, the left-hander had a sore throat, which prompted a COVID-19 test, which came back positive. His teammates and support staff were placed in isolation for three days after coming into contact with the athlete, and they have since finished their isolation time.
After the World Test Championship final on June 23, the Indian players were permitted to leave the bio-bubble in England and spend time on their own. The BCCI permitted their exit from the bubble, with the condition that the players and support personnel return in mid-July, ahead of their five-Test series against England. On August 4, the first Test will begin.
Chetan Sharma, the head selector, met BCCI president Sourav Ganguly in Kolkata on Wednesday, but neither of them revealed what happened during the discussion.
The Indian cricketer’s positive test comes as the virus spreads through England’s camp ahead of their limited-overs series against Pakistan at home. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) stated last week that seven members of the team, including three players and four staff members, tested positive for COVID-19 before the first ODI against Pakistan.
As a result of the development, England’s ODI squad was overhauled, with Ben Stokes being named captain.
