Indian coach Ravi Shastri, support staff put under isolation
As many as four members of Team India's support staff in England, including head coach Ravi Shastri, have been isolated as a precautionary measure. Notably, the lateral flow test of Shastri returned positive last evening. Bharat Arun, R Sridhar, and Nitin Patel are the others besides Shastri. The BCCI informed that they have undergone RT-PCR tests and will remain in the team hotel.
Here is the official statement
"The BCCI Medical Team has isolated Mr Ravi Shastri, Head Coach, Mr B. Arun, Bowling Coach, Mr R. Sridhar, Fielding Coach and Mr Nitin Patel, Physiotherapist as a precautionary measure after Mr Shastri's lateral flow test returned positive last evening," read a statement by the BCCI. "They have undergone RT-PCR testing and shall remain in the team hotel and not travel with Team India."
What about the remaining members?
The remaining members of the Indian contingent underwent two lateral flow tests (last night and this morning). They were allowed to proceed for Day 4 of the fourth England-India Test at The Oval upon returning negative COVID reports.
Yogesh Parmar is the second physiotherapist
It is understood that Yogesh Parmar, who is the second physiotherapist in the Indian contingent, will be with the team at The Oval in the absence of Nitin Patel. The former will help the players when required during Day 4.
India have dealt with COVID-19-related issues recently
This is not the first time the Indian contingent is involved in COVID-19-related issues. Ahead of the Test series, Indian wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant had contracted the virus. Even in the Sri Lanka white-ball series, Krunal Pandya, who was with the second-string Team India, had tested positive between the first and second T20Is. Two more players, Yuzvendra Chahal and K Gowtham, had tested positive thereafter.
India on top at The Oval
England and India are presently engaged in the fourth Test at The Oval. The series is leveled at 1-1 after the hosts staged a comeback in Leeds. India are on top at the moment, having gained a significant lead. The Indian top-order shone on Day 3, which nullified the deficit. Rohit Sharma put India in the driving set by smashing an emphatic century.
