IPL 2021: T-Natarajan tests Covid-19 Positive

Sunrisers Hyderabad left-arm seamer T Natarajan has tested positive for Covid-19 during the scheduled RT-PCR test in Dubai. Natarajan has isolated himself from the rest of the squad. While six other members of the franchise, identified as his close contacts, are also in isolation. As per an official IPL release, Natarajan is asymptomatic.

The match on Wednesday evening between Sunrisers and Delhi Capitals in Dubai, however, is set to go ahead.

Two of the six isolated members are players:

Allrounder Vijay Shankar and net bowler G Periyaswamy. The others are members of the support staff: Vijay Kumar (team manager), Shyam Sundar J (physiotherapist), Anjana Vannan (doctor), and Tushar Khedkar (logistics manager).

Both Natarajan and Vijay Shankar were, incidentally, part of the Sunrisers’ training session in Dubai on Tuesday. The entire contingent, including the close contacts, have since tested negative after undergoing RT-PCR tests at 5 am local time.

This comes as a big blow for SunRisers Hyderabad as T Natarajan is the go-to bowler for the death overs. SRH is looking to turn their fortunes around in the UAE leg as they are currently at the bottom of the points table.

Captain Kane Williamson and the team management have a tough task to field a balanced team against Delhi Capitals tonight as all-rounder Vijay Shankar will also not be available for selection.

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According to the guidelines in place for the IPL, anyone testing positive for Covid-19 must isolate for a minimum of ten days. They can then rejoin the bubble after clearing two tests, on days nine and ten.