Sunrisers Hyderabad fast bowler T Natarajan has tested positive for Covid-19 just hours before they are set to take on Delhi Capitals in their first match since the resumption of the season.
T Natarajan Tests COVID19 Positive
The likes of all-rounder Vijay Shankar, team manager Vijay Kumar, physiotherapist Shyam Sundar J, doctor Anjana Vannan, logistics manager Tushar Khedkar and net bowler Periyasamy Ganesan have been named as close contacts and placed in isolation.
Sunrisers Hyderabad player tests positive; six close contacts isolated Sunrisers Hyderabad player T Natarajan tested positive for COVID-19 at a scheduled RT-PCR test. The player has isolated himself from the rest of the squad. He is currently asymptomatic. The medical team has identified the below mentioned six close contacts of the player, who have also been placed in isolation:
- Vijay Shankar- Player
- Vijay Kumar- Team Manager
- Shyam Sundar J – Physiotherapist
- Anjana Vannan – Doctor
- Tushar Khedkar- Logistics Manager
- Periyasamy Ganesan – Net Bowler
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.
Natarajan was set to make a comeback to cricket in the second leg of the IPL 2021. He had sustained a knee injury and had subsequent surgery, which kept him out of action since appearing for the franchise in two matches of the first half of IPL 2021 in April.
Earlier in May, IPL’s 14th season was suspended when four cricketers and two coaches, Wriddhiman Saha of SRH, DC’s Amit Mishra, KKR bowlers Sandeep Warrier and Varun Chakravarthy, CSK’s bowling and batting coaches, Lakshmipathy Balaji and Michael Hussey, tested positive for coronavirus.
After a gap of nearly four months, IPL returned with Chennai Super Kings beating Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders defeating Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rajashthan Royals getting the better of Punjab  Kings in the first three games.
