Washington Sundar tests COVID positive, availability for South Africa ODIs doubtful

Washington Sundar has tested positive for COVID-19 and his availability for the ODIs against South Africa is doubtful, PTI reported, quoting a BCCI source in the know of developments. The three-match series is set to begin on January 19. 

Sundar is recovering after testing positive for COVID-19, but his participation in the upcoming ODI series is not confirmed, the source confirmed. 

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“Washington has tested positive for COVID-19 and is yet to join the other white ball specialists in Mumbai. He was in Bengaluru (at the National Cricket Academy) when he tested positive,” BCCI sources said.

The ODI squad is scheduled to leave for Cape Town on Wednesday, January 12. 

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The Royal Challengers Bangalore all-rounder was likely to make his ODI debut in South Africa. He has been on the sidelines for almost a year and last played in the national colours in March 2021 (Test). 

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The likes of Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja were not named in the 18-man squad. With Rohit Sharma absent due to a hamstring injury, KL Rahul was named captain. 

Washington Sundar was a part of the Tamil Nadu squad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy. 

India’s 18-member squad for ODI series vs South Africa: KL Rahul (C), Shikhar Dhawan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Venkatesh Iyer, Rishabh Pant, Ishan Kishan, R Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Deepak Chahar, Prasidh Krishna, Shardul Thakur, Md. Siraj