IPL 2021: SRH pacer T Natarajan tests positive for COVID-19; six close contacts isolated

COVID-19 might be hampering the Indian Premier League (IPL) once again. The reason for the suspension of the tournament earlier this year was the same as several players from different teams had tested positive. The BCCI then decided to move the IPL outside India and UAE once again was finalised to host the remaining 31 matches of the season.

Accordingly, the tournament resumed on September 19 in a strict bubble but it is being understood that pace bowler T Natarajan from the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) camp has been tested positive for COVID-19. The team is set to play against Delhi Capitals today.

Six close contacts of the Natarjan have been identified and they are:  Vijay Shankar (Player), Vijay Kumar (Team Manager), Shyam Sundar J (Physiotherapist), Anjana Vannan (Dcotor), Tushar Khedkar (Logistics Manager), Periyasamy Ganesan (Net Bowler).

T Natarajan currently asymptomatic

Meanwhile, the official website of the IPL has stated that T Natarajan is currently asymptomatic and he has isolated himself along with the close contacts. Moreover, the rest of the players of the SRH contingent have tested negative and the game is set to go ahead.

“The rest of the contingent including the close contacts underwent RT-PCR tests at 5AM local time this morning and the test reports are negative. As a result, tonight’s game between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Delhi Capitals will go ahead at the Dubai International Stadium, Dubai,” the IPL Press Release read.

T Natarajan was set to make a comeback in the second leg of the IPL for SRH. He had sustained an injury earlier in the year and was ruled out. The pace bowler was looking forward to doing well and it is very much unfortunate that he will continue to stay away from the game until he tests negative twice after completing his isolation period. The rest of the close contacts will be continued to assessed by the medical team.