Rajasthan Royals fielding coach Dishant Yagnik tests positive for COVID-19

Press Release: Rajasthan Royals would like to inform that their fielding coach Dishant Yagnik has tested positive for COVID-19. The test was undertaken keeping in mind that the team members need to assemble in Mumbai next week for their flight to the UAE.

The franchise implemented an extra test for all players, support staff and management travelling to the UAE in addition to the two tests recommended by BCCI, to ensure as robust a process as possible.

Dishant is currently in his hometown Udaipur and has been advised to get admitted to hospital for his 14-day quarantine. Post 14 days, Dishant will be undergoing two tests as per the protocols of BCCI. On return of two negative reports, he will be allowed to join the team after self-isolating for 6 days and receiving 3 further negative tests upon his arrival in the UAE.

We request everyone who has been in close proximity to Dishant in the past 10 days to self isolate and get tested for COVID-19. We can confirm that no Rajasthan Royals or other IPL players have been in close proximity to Dishant in the past 10 days.

We wish Dishant a speedy recovery and look forward to him joining the Royals camp soon in the UAE.

Only 24-member squad for IPL 2020

The BCCI was optimistic to host this year’s cash-rich tournament after the ICC announced the postponement of T20 World Cup 2020. The delay of the IPL paved way for the BCCI to host the tournament in that window and UAE, in the process, emerged as a viable option.

Considering the COVID-19 pandemic, India’s premier T20 tournament will be played under strict norms to ensure the safety of players as well as support staff. Players are expected to undergo at least five coronavirus tests before hitting the nets on the UAE soil.

A BCCI official had disclosed recently that all Indian players and support staff will have to undergo two RT-PCR tests, 24 hours apart, a week ahead of joining their IPL teams where they will undergo a 14-day quarantine. In the IPL Governing Council meeting, it was also decided that the team can travel to the UAE with a maximum of 24 players in each squad.