Indian team’s depth can be measured by the fact that they have sent one team to play against Sri Lanka at the Islanders’ home, while they have another team, consisting of the main stars, ready in England to face Joe Root’s men. Indian team’s preparations for the five-match Test series against England, however, has hit a road bump as one their key players Rishabh Pant has tested positive for the Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus.
The wicketkeeper-batsman is currently in quarantine at one of his relatives’ house in England and will join the Indian squad in Durham later. The Indian Express quoted sources, which revealed that the left-hander complained about a sore throat and the tests revealed that he had the Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus. Reportedly, Rishabh Pant had earlier visited Wembley to see the Euro 2020 final, where England lost to Italy on penalties. Meanwhile, all the players who came in contact with Rishabh Pant were sent in for a three-day isolation and have all brought back negative results.
The Indian players were released from the bio-secure bubble in England after India lost the World Test Championship final to New Zealand. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had given the instructions to the players to join the bubble again mid-July to prepare for the five-Test series against England. The first Test of the series will start from August 4, which gives Rishabh Pant enough time to complete his quarantine and return negative COVID-19 tests.