IPL 2021: RCB batsman Devdutt Padikkal tests positive for COVID-19 ahead of the tournament

Earlier, Delhi Capitals spinner Akshar Patel was tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

Devdutt Padikkal | Twitter

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) opener Devdutt Padikkal tested positive for the COVID-19 ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2021), as reported by TOI. He became the third IPL player to have contracted the novel coronavirus.

Padikkal has been isolated from the rest of the squad and he's currently under quarantine. He may have to miss the first two matches of RCB. The Virat Kohli-led side will play the opening match of the tournament against Mumbai Indians on April 9.

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RCB will have to find a new opening partner for captain Kohli in the absence of Padikkal, who was the top run-getter for them. He had scored 473 runs with an average of 31.53 and a strike rate of 124.80.

Earlier, Delhi Capitals (DC) spinner Akshar Patel and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) batsman Nitish Rana tested positive for the COVID-19. There are some positive cases among Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium groundstaff as well which has raised concern over the upcoming IPL.

A Chennai Super Kings (CSK) social media team member was also tested positive for the coronavirus. CSK and DC will play their first match at the Wankhede Stadium on April 10. Both the teams are scheduled to play their first five matches at this venue.

(With Times of India Inputs)

 
 

By Sihyeu Singh - 04 Apr, 2021

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