IPL 2021: Kolkata Knight Riders Tim Seifert tests positive for COVID-19

Tim Seifert, the New Zealand cricketer, has tested positive for COVID-19 during his stay in the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League. The 26-year-old won’t be returning to his home country on a chartered flight with the rest of his Black Caps teammates.

The IPL had to be postponed for an indefinite time period after a number of coronavirus cases emerged in the bio-secure bubble. Seifert, who’s a part of the Kolkata Knight Riders, has failed both his PCR tests prior to departure and is set to serve his quarantine.

Tim Seifert to be treated in Chennai

As per reports, he’s experiencing ‘moderate’ symptoms. Seifert will be taken to Chennai where he will be treated in the same private hospital as former Australian cricketer Michael Hussey, who also tested positive for the virus.

“It’s really unfortunate for Tim and we’ll do everything for him that we can from this end. Hopefully, he will be able to test negative, and be cleared and approved for discharge as soon as he’s well again,” New Zealand cricket chief executive David White was quoted as saying in Newshub.

“Since receiving the news, we’ve organised support for Tim and have also – via the players association – been in contact with his family to ensure they’re kept fully informed and updated on developments,” he added.

Once Seifert tests negative and stays in isolation, he would be sent back to New Zealand where he would undergo the 14-day quarantine period. He had returned seven negative tests in the 10 days leading into his departure.

One of the two chartered flights taking back the Kiwis to New Zealand has already taken off, and the other is set for take-off later today after a logistical delay. The ones in flight are observing the necessary protocols, including wearing masks, undergoing COVID-19 tests. They will again be assessed on arrival in Auckland.

Seifert came into the Knights as a replacement player, but he is yet to make his debut for Eoin Morgan’s Men in Gold and Purple. The Knights have preferred Dinesh Karthik as their first-choice skipper. However, the youngster from Whanganui has kept performing for New Zealand, especially in the T20 format.