Merely a day before Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) locking horns with the defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI), in the tournament opener of the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the franchise faced a setback as all-rounder Daniel Sams has tested positive for COVID-19.
Announcing the same, RCB’s official statement read: “Daniel Sams checked into the team hotel in Chennai on April 3rd, with a negative COVID report on arrival. His report from the 2nd test on 7th April came positive. Sams is currently asymptomatic and he is currently in isolation at a designated medical facility. Royal Challengers Bangalore medical team is in constant touch with Daniel Sams and continue to monitor his health and abide by the BCCI protocols.”
Royal Challengers Bangalore medical team is in constant touch with Daniel Sams and continue to monitor his health and abide by the BCCI protocols.
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) April 7, 2021
Sams had joined the RCB base on April 3 before which he had test negative, but has now been tested positive. Earlier, the franchise’s opening batsman Devdutt Padikkal had also tested positive for coronavirus last week. He is currently isolating at his residence in Bengaluru.
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RCB will play in the opening match of IPL 2021 against Mumbai Indians on Friday (April 9). On Tuesday, Mumbai Indians’ scout Kiran More also came out positive for the virus. Following a positive test, the Munba0based franchise later announced that all the other members of the MI franchise have tested negative.
Several groundsmen and event managers at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, which will be hosting 10 games this season, have also tested positive for COVID-19. Kolkata Knight Riders batsman Nitish Rana too had tested Covid-positive but has recovered and rejoined training.
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Last year, the tournament was played in the United Arab Emirates due to the high number of COVID-19 cases in India. IPL 2021 sees the cash-rich league return to India, with the matches set to be played across six venues – Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad.
