Rohit Sharma Tests Positive for Covid-19

Rohit Sharma is in doubt for the first Test after returning a positive Test for Covid-19. As per team protocols he is in isolation at the hotel. The quarantine period is five days between which the player will undergo a series of Tests.

In the ongoing Warm-up fixture, Rohit Sharma batted for only one inning. He didn’t come out to bat in the second innings and later returned the positive Test. Before Rohit Sharma, Ravichandran Ashwin has tested positive himself. Ashwin’s positive Test took place in India, resulting in a late departure as Ashwin was isolated at home.

Ashwin is now back with the side, while India waits on Rohit Sharma’s news. In case Rohit Sharma is absent for the next Test, India will have to figure out who leads them. KL Rahul is already out with injury and the likely option is Rishabh Pant.

The one-off Test is a conclusion of last year’s five-Test series. Last year, as the Test series went on, a Covid outbreak took place in the Indian camp leading to the suspension of the final Test hours before the toss. India currently leads the series 2-1 and is chasing their first series win in the country since 2007.

Covid outbreaks though are looking pretty casual and frequent in England. In the recent series against New Zealand, quite a few New Zealand cricketers tested positive, including Kane Williamson. Along with the New Zealand cricketers, England’s coaching staff has also been affected. With bio-bubbles not in use, the presence of Covid is becoming a norm, and so far, sides have responded well.

With the series at its last game, India will be hoping for Rohit Sharma’s return. He was one of their best players in the earlier four Tests, making his first overseas century in the fourth Test. In the games prior to the fourth Test as well, Rohit Sharma was in good nick and will be a key player with his from and experience in the upcoming Test.