The second T20I between India and Sri Lanka in Colombo on Tuesday was postponed by a day after Indian all-rounder Krunal Pandya tested positive for Covid-19, forcing him out of the series with seven days of isolation.
However, all his eight close contacts, who were isolated, have tested ‘negative’ in the RT-PCR tests but as a precautionary measure won’t be able to take field on Wednesday.
Since the close contacts are mostly players, India might have to field a depleted side.
As per Sri Lanka’s health safety protocols, Krunal will not be able to travel back to India with other members of the contingent on July 30 as he will now have to undergo mandatory isolation and obtain a negative RT-PCR report.
The third and final T20 is scheduled to be held on Thursday.
“Krunal is symptomatic with cough and throat pain. He is obviously out of the series and will not be able able to return with rest of the squad,” a BCCI source tracking the developments in Colombo said.
“However the good news is that all his eight close contacts who were identified by the BCCI medical officer (Dr Abhijit Salvi) have tested negative. But as a precautionary measure can’t take the field.”
For now, the three-match series is on as even if there are a couple of more cases, the Indian team has enough players with negative RT-PCR reports to field a team.
Krunal, who tested positive on Tuesday morning, has already been quarantined.
India are travelling with a 20-member squad plus four stand bye net bowlers.
Now, there will be back-to-back matches on Wednesday and Thursday provided there aren’t any more players testing positive to affect the balance of the sides which will lead to cancellation.