SRH pacer T Natarajan tests COVID-19 positive; close-contact Vijay Shankar in isolation as well

Dubai: Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) pacer T Natarajan tested positive for COVID-19 hours before the franchise’s IPL 2021 match against Delhi Capitals (DC) here on Wednesday.

The 30-year-old cricketer -- along with close contacts in all-rounder Vijay Shankar, net bowler P Ganesan, and three other SRH officials -- was sent into isolation after his RT-PCR test returned positive on Wednesday morning.

Indian cricket board (BCCI), who are the organisers of the league, confirmed the development through a press statement while stating that the match will go ahead as scheduled.

The release further stated that Natarajan was asymptomatic and currently in isolation.

"Sunrisers Hyderabad player T Natarajan tested positive for COVID-19 at a scheduled RT-PCR test. The player has isolated himself from the rest of the squad. He is currently asymptomatic," the statement read.

The other SRH officials, who were described as close contacts, were team manager Vijay Kumar, physiotherapist Shyam Sundar J, doctor Anjana Vannan, logistics manager Tushar Khedkar.

The release further said that the rest of the contingent including the close contacts underwent RT-PCR tests at 5 AM local time on Wednesday morning and the test reports turned negative. (UNI)