After the spike in the number of COVID-19 cases in India, the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2021) was indefinitely suspended. While all players started their journey to their respective destinations, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) New Zealand batsman Tim Seifert had to go in isolation after testing COVID positive.
While talking to New Zealand head coach Geary Stead about Seifert not returning home, he revealed that even though Stead hasn’t spoken to Seifert, the duo is exchanging messages and the former felt that the wicket-keeper batsman is in better space now.
“He's in that difficult situation of being over there and sort of isolated a little bit as well. Obviously, it was distressing early on to get that news but I think he's in a much better space now that there is a plan around him,” Stead told stuff.co.nz.
As the group of Test specialists consisting of Kane Williamson and Co. traveled to the Maldives to eventually travel to the UK for two-Tests against England, left-arm pacer Trent Boult decided to go home instead.
When asked about Boult heading home, Stead told that New Zealand respected left-arm quick’s decision.
“I think everyone has got their reasons around it. India changed very, very quickly, I think over the space of two or three days, and there were options put in front of the guys and he [Boult] felt for him and his mental health, the best thing he could do was get home for a while,” he said.
As far as New Zealand are concerned, they are scheduled to play two Test matches against England at Lord’s in London and at Edgbaston in Birmingham respectively which are scheduled to begin from 2 June followed by the World Test Championship final against India at Southampton from 18 June.
(With stuff.co.nz inputs)
