The young opener of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Devdutt Padikkal has tested positive for the novel coronavirus. According to the recent reports of the Times of India, the 20-year-old is currently been isolated from the entire squad and he has now become the third cricketer to test positive for the virus just a week ahead of the 14th edition of the tournament.

Devdutt Padikkal was in red-hot form in the prestigious Vijay Hazare Trophy and emerged as the second-highest run-getter, amassing 737 runs from seven matches at an average of 147.40. Earlier on Saturday, Delhi Capitals’ premier all-rounder Axar Patel had also tested positive for the virus and is under the supervision of the team’s official medical staff.

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Meanwhile, Nitish Rana, who plays for Kolkata Knight Riders, had reported having contracted COVID-19 but resumed practice with the others after returning negative on Saturday. Among the staff members, Chennai Super Kings also endured a blow as a member of the content team tested positive for the virus.

Even as the franchises were grappling with the potential threat from the virus, 8 groundsmen of the Wankhede Stadium also failed the test. A Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) source has denied the reports, saying the groundstaff have subsequently come negative but the situation in Mumbai, which will be hosting 10 matches in the first fortnight of the season

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Talking about the same one of the officials of the franchises said, “We have not heard anything from the BCCI about any change in plans. We are regularly speaking to the Board officials. With less than a week left, it is now a situation from there can be no going back. It is difficult to shift to a new city, manage so many sanitized hotel rooms and restart all over.”