Rohit Sharma and 4 other Indian cricketers placed in isolation after potential bio-bubble breach in Melbourne

Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Prithvi Shaw, Navdeep Saini and Rishabh Pant have come under the scanner after meeting an Indian fan at a restaurant in Melbourne. There has been a potential bio-bubble breach from them and the BCCI and Cricket Australia have launched an investigation over the matter.

Though a few hours ago, a BCCI source stated that there is no need to make an issue out of the matter, the aforementioned players have been placed in isolation. They have been separated from both Indian and Australian squads but will still be able to train.

“Players will be permitted to train in accordance with the strict protocols that have been put in place to ensure the ongoing safety of of all members of the Indian and Australian squads,” the statement from Cricket Australia read. As a part of precaution the five players will be socially distanced from both the teams even while travelling and the step has been taken on the advice of Indian and Australian medical teams.

BCCI and CA are investigating the matter to seek whether the visit to a restaurant constitutes a breach of bio-secure protocols.

Similar measures taken during BBL

A similar incident took place during the ongoing BBL season when two Brisbane Heat players including their skipper Chris Lynn failed to comply with the tournament protocols. The duo were then separated from the rest of the ground and also played the game while maintaining the social distancing. CA had then fined the club and two players heftily as well taking a strict action.

In terms of breaches previously from players, Jofra Archer was left out of the second Test of the three-match series by England against West Indies when the pacer had stopped at his house while travelling to the venue. Archer was isolated and tested twice before allowing him again in the bubble.

It remains to be seen if any action will be taken on Rohit Sharma and others is there is a certain bio-bubble breach. It will also be interesting to know whether it affects their participation in the upcoming third Test to be played in Sydney from January 7.