Sunrisers Hyderabad’s pacer T Natarajan has tested positive for COVID-19, IPL confirmed. He, currently asymptomatic, has isolated himself from the rest of the squad. The 30-year-old was expected to play against the Delhi Capitals in Wednesday’s game. 

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As per the IPL, Natarajan’s positive report came at a scheduled RT-PCR test. The medical team identified six close contacts of the player, who have also been placed in isolation. The six are all-rounder Vijay Shankar, team manager Vijay Kumar, physiotherapist Shyam Sundar J, doctor Anjana Vannan, logistics manager Tushar Khedkar and net bowler Periyasamy Ganesa. 

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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.

The IPL had to be halted midway in May after several COVID-19 cases were reported across team bio bubbles. Sourav Ganguly-led BCCI managed to shift the league to the UAE, where it resumed on the September 19. 

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  After conducting the Indian Premier League sans fans for the last one and a half season, BCCI opened the doors for spectators in the UAE-led. However, certain COVID-19 guidelines are in place to ensure that the tournament takes place in a safe manner at Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.   

As per the IPL guidelines, all individuals within a bubble will be tested twice a week during the second week and thereafter every fifth day for the entire duration of the tournament. Any participant testing positive for COVID-19 will have to isolate for a minimum of 10 days. The individual will be tested on day nine and day ten.  Two consecutive negative RT-PCR tests taken 24 hours apart, full resolution of symptoms, and no use of medication for more than 24 hours are mandatory for re-entry into a bubble.