Reports: Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer begin light training after testing COVID-19 negative; unavailable for 2nd ODI

In what can be called a sigh of relief for the Indian team, Shikhar Dhawan and Shreyas Iyer have began light training after testing negative for COVID-19. The duo were tested positive, alongside Ruturaj Gaikwad, Navdeep Saini and four other members of support staff, ahead of India’s ODI series against West Indies. They subsequently underwent isolation and missed the opening game on Sunday (February 6).

It must be noted that Dhawan and Iyer are still ruled out of the second ODI, which takes place on Wednesday (February 9). However, their training has resumed at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad, the venue of the entire ODI series. They are being monitored under the watchful eyes of the BCCI medical team. Gaikwad, however, is still in isolation.

BCCI’s medical team will monitor Shikhar Dhawan and Shreyas Iyer

“Both of them (Shreyas and Shikhar) are allowed to light training as per the protocol. However, the medical team will monitor them before a decision is taken about their availability,” a source in the BCCI was quoted as saying by The Hindu, indicating that the Board may not want to rush things.

Meanwhile, the Rohit Sharma-led side didn’t miss the unavailable players much in the opening ODI. West Indies got skittled out for a paltry 176 while batting first at the venue. India’s chase couldn’t have gone smoother as they crossed the line in just 28 overs, clinching the contest by six wickets. The Men in Blue now have a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

As far as the second ODI is concerned, KL Rahul, who was unavailable for the first game, has joined the team. His Karnataka teammate Mayank Agarwal is also available for selection. The first ODI saw Ishan Kishan opening with skipper Rohit Sharma. However, vice-captain Rahul is all but set to take the opening slot in the second clash.

“Their (Mayank and Rahul) coming back after quarantine makes our unit stronger. At the end of the day, it is the team management’s call as to who will play or not. We are really happy to have them back,” batter Suryakumar Yadav said on the eve of the second ODI.