Reports: Skipper Yash Dhull and five other India U19 players test COVID-19 positive, undergo isolation

In what can be called a major development, several members of the India Under 19 team have have been put in isolation after contracting the Covid-19 virus. Skipper Yash Dhull and vice-captain SK Rasheed are also among the affected players and it remains to be seen how this episode would impact the ongoing U19 World Cup in the Caribbean Islands.

If reports are to be believed, as many as six players in the Indian camp have returned with positive results. Hence, it was not easy to field a proper XI for the ongoing second fixture against Ireland. Fortunately for the Indian team, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has allowed a 17-member squad for the tournament. Hence, the Boys in Blue took the field under the leadership of Nishant Sindhu.

Meanwhile, Manav Parakh, Siddarth Yadav, Aaradhya Yadav and Vasu Vats are the other players in isolation besides Dhull and Rasheed. In fact, the situation is so bad that the team management had to send coaches to the field to give drinks to the players.

Some players have come in close contact with Covid positive members

“We understand that some players have come in close contact with Covid positive players and as a measure of precaution the players have been isolated. The fact that they are playing Ireland has helped the team management. The team wants to avoid risk ahead of the bigger games,” a source was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

Meanwhile, the Indian team has made a brilliant start to the tournament, recording a 45-run win in their maiden assignment against South Africa. It wasn’t really a comfortable win for the Yash Dhull-led side as India got skittled out for just 232 while batting first at the Providence Stadium in Guyana.

However, the bowlers brought India back in the hunt as South Africa’s chase was far from smooth. While Vicky Ostwal took a five-for, Raj Bawa dismissed four batters as the Proteas side was bundled out for just 187. Meanwhile, India U19 doesn’t seem to be missing their key players in the ongoing clash against Ireland.

Openers Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Harnoor Singh added 164 runs for the first wicket to put their side a flying start. Hence, the Irish side needs an exceptional effort to bounce back in the contest.