IPL 2021 – Virat Kohli’s RCB: Right before clash with Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore is in fix – reason RCB is the only IPL team in which two players have tested Covid-19 positive. First Devdutt Padikkal & then Australian Daniel Sams. This has resulted in RCB getting extra-cautious as they prepare for Rohit Sharma’s MI. Kohli’s team has tightened its “strict bio bubble” environ, in a bid to plug the hole created in the past few days.
IPL 2021: Virat Kohli’s RCB goes ‘extra-cautious’, after two players test Covid-19 positive
“We are in a very strict bio-bubble. But after two of our players testing positive, strcter rules have been imposed. Dedicated persons within the bubble have been specifically employed to monitor if bubble is not breached by any player. Earlier rooms were sanitized once a day. Now they are being sanitized twice a day. Cooks and staffs meant for RCB players are also staying in the hotel. Lifts are exclusively meant for us which opens in only 3 floors exclusively meant for us. Logistics are being revised every single day. We as players are concerned but not worried as we stay in the bio-bubble,” an RCB source informed Insidesport.co on the condition of anonymity.
“RCB is taking extra precaution with new members joining in the bubble. They are being tested thrice. On arrival, on the 3rd & 7th day of quarantine. After that players are tested every 5th day. I got to know that they are likely to increase the frequency. to every 3rd day in the comimg days,” the source informed.
Earlier in the day, RCB and Aussie all-rounder Daniel Sams had tested positive for COVID-19. He had tested negative in the first test but has tested positive in the 2nd Test. The development a couple of days ahead of the IPL 2021 opener where RCB will face off defending champions Mumbai Indians.
RCB statement on Daniel Sams reads: “Daniel Sams checked into the team hotel in Chennai on April 3rd, with a negative COVID report on arrival. His report from the 2nd test on 7th April came positive. Sams is currently asymptomatic and he is currently in isolation at a designated medical facility. Royal Challengers Bangalore medical team is in constant touch with Daniel Sams and continue to monitor his health and abide by the BCCI protocols.”
Sams is the fourth player in IPL 2021 to test positive for COVID-19. Earlier his team-mate Devudtt Padikkal (RCB), Axar Patel (DC) and Nitish Rana (KKR) had tested positive for coronavirus. Padikkal has tested negative while Axar Patel is recovering from the COVID-19. Nitish Rana, on the other hand, has joined the KKR team in Chennai after testing negative for COVID-19 twice.
A number of COVID-19 cases have surfaced ahead of IPL. From ground staffs at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium to camera crew a number of people involved in the league have tested positive for coronavirus, creating an alarming situation ahead of the season opener.