Daniel Sams tests positive

Picture Credit: IPL/BCCI

In a massive blow to the Royal Challengers Bangalore, who are set to play Mumbai Indians in the tournament opener in two days time, Australian all-rounder Daniel Sams has tested positive for Coronavirus. "Sams is currently asymptomatic and he is currently in isolation at a designated medical facility," the franchise confirmed in an official statement. This is not the first case of COVID-19 among IPL teams as earlier the likes of Nitish Rana, Axar Patel and RCB's Devdutt Padikkal had contracted the infection.

First report had come negative on arrival

The Virat Kohli-led side clarified that while the 28-year-old's first report had come negative on his arrival in Chennai on April 3, his second report on Wednesday has returned positive. The franchise was also quick to add that the medical team is in constant touch with Sams and are continuously monitoring his health. The information was made public by the team on its social media.

COVID-19 cases coming from team's bio-bubble

Sams testing positive implies that cases are coming from inside the team's bio-bubble as well. While Mumbai Indians' scout and wicketkeeping consultant Kiran More had also contracted the virus inside the bio-bubble, Sams too was staying inside a bubble environment. However, their positive results before the first game between the same two teams suggest a tough job ahead for the organisers to conduct the tournament amid a huge COVID-19 surge in India.