IPL 2021: Sunrisers Hyderabad’s T Natarajan Tests Positive For COVID-19

The COVID threat looms large on IPL once again. Sunrisers Hyderabad’s T Natarajan tests COVID positive. The fast bowler tested positive for Covid-19 in a scheduled RT-PCR test hours before their game with Delhi Capitals. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirming the news said that he has isolated himself and is currently asymptomatic.

Six other members of the franchise, identified as his close contacts, are also in isolation along with T Natarajan.

The six members are All-rounder Vijay Shankar, team manager Vijay Kumar, physiotherapist Shyam Sundar J, Dr. Anjana Vannan, logistics manager Tushar Khedkar and net bowler Periyasamy Ganesan.

NEWS – Sunrisers Hyderabad player tests positive; six close contacts isolated.

More details here – https://t.co/sZnEBj13Vn #VIVOIPL

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) September 22, 2021

However, the match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Delhi Capitals is all set to go ahead on Wednesday.

The BCCI in a statement confirming the news said, “The rest of the contingent including the close contacts underwent RT-PCR tests at 5 AM local time this morning and the test reports are negative. As a result, tonight’s game between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Delhi Capitals will go ahead at the Dubai International Stadium, Dubai.”

The positive result has come as a shock to the authorities as the players are in a bio bubble.

Earlier in May the IPL was suspended by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI due to a spike in the coronavirus cases inside IPL’s bio-bubble. After much deliberation, they decided to shift the venue to UAE for the remaining matches.

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