Picture Credit: BCCI
In a huge blow prior to India's five-match Test series against England, wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant has reportedly tested positive for COVID-19. The star India player was seen clicking pictures with fans and friends at the Wembley Stadium a few days ago and none of the people in the image were seen wearing a mask or following social distancing protocols. A section of the fans had even criticised the youngster for not abiding by the COVID-19 appropriate behaviour and as it turns out their fears have turned out to be true.
It is also being reported that despite testing positive, he is currently asymptomatic. Along with Pant, the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Hanuma Vihari were also spotted at the Wembley Stadium, while Ishant Sharma was seen enjoying a waterfall. Notably, the Indian squad members who had arrived in the United Kingdom prior to the ICC World Test Championship final against New Zealand, were on a three-week break amid apprehensions regarding the same since the Coronavirus cases in England were on the rise.
Coach Ravi Shastri also spotted at Wimbledon
Furthermore, the players as well as coach Ravi Shastri were found to be visiting other crowded places like the Wimbledon Championships. Other players are said to have stayed with relatives and acquaintances and travelled despite an important assignment ahead.
Reports also suggest that yet another player had tested positive for the infection earlier but has now recovered from the infection. The COVID-19 positive case in the Indian camp puts a big question mark on the team's practice match from July 20, although initial reports suggest that it will go ahead as scheduled with the infected player not joining the squad.
Earlier, England's limited-overs squad too was also affected by the outburst of Coronavirus with at least three English players and four support staff members testing positive. This forced the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to name a separate squad for the ODI series against Pakistan with Ben Stokes as the captain.
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