New Zealand and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) wicketkeeper-batsman Tim Seifert who had contracted COVID-19 during this year’s edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2021) was the only one from the New Zealand contingent who had to stay back in India in isolation.

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead who was in contact with the batsman has confirmed that Seifert had tested negative and began his journey home.

“I heard from Tim just a little while ago. I think the really encouraging thing is he's tested negative and my understanding is he's on a flight out of India pretty quickly as well,” Stead was quoted saying by stuff.co.nz.

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“I don't know how long it's going to take him to get back to New Zealand or where he's heading via, but it's great news for Tim, that for a start his health is on the improve anyway, to the point where he's not testing positive any more,” he added.

There were two groups of New Zealanders that left India. One group consisted of Kane Williamson, Kyle Jamieson, Mitchell Santner and two staff members, physio Tommy Simsek and trainer Chris Donaldson as they headed to Maldives and later to UK for their two-match Test series followed by the final of World Test Championship against India at Southampton.

Other group of Kiwis that consisted of all the commentators and coaches and support staff members of all the franchises headed home. New Zealand pacer Trent Boult who was originally supposed to head to UK for England series, later on decided to head home.

(With stuff.co.nz inputs)