2nd T20I: India aims to end Covid-19 defeat streak against Sri Lanka
India may have to field a new squad for the match against Sri Lanka in the second international T20 match in Colombo, where nine of their players are unavailable for selection.
The second T20 International between India and Sri Lanka in Colombo on Tuesday was postponed by a day after visiting all-rounder Krunal Pandya tested positive for Covid-19, forcing him out of the series with seven days of isolation.
Eight members, who has been identified as close contacts are unlikely to play in the second T20I, citing safety reason.
The development is also likely to affect the travel plans of Prithvi Shaw and Suryakumar Yadav, who were due to join the Indian team in England after this series for an upcoming Test assignment against England next month.
The duo were supposed to link up with the red ball squad in UK after the completion of the T20 series and it is still not clear whether these two are among the eight, who were in close contact of Krunal.
There are high chances that Ruturaj Gaikwad might get a look-in.
The third and final T20 is scheduled to be held on Thursday.
It is quite baffling as to how Krunal, who has been a part of the strict bio-bubble for the past one month, contracted the virus.
Krunal, who tested positive on Tuesday morning, has been quarantined and the entire contingent’s RT-PCR test reports are awaited.
“The second T20I between Sri Lanka and India originally scheduled to be played on July 27 has been pushed forward by a day and will now take place on Wednesday, July 28,” BCCI secretary Jay Shah said in a media statement.
“Following the Rapid Antigen Tests conducted ahead of the match on Tuesday morning, Krunal Pandya was found to be positive. The Medical Teams have identified eight members as close contacts,” the release added.
India are travelling with a 20-member squad plus four stand bye net bowlers.
The match was to be played at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Now there will be back-to-back matches on Wednesday and Thursday provided there aren’t any more players testing positive to affect the balance of the sides which will lead to cancellation.
India won the first T20 international by 38 runs.
For Sri Lanka, the T20 series is a tougher test than the ODIs as they don’t have enforcers, who can take the game away with consistent big hits.
Charith Asalanka did try to put pressure on India during his knock of 44 but the inexperience of Dasun Shanaka’s team during the crucial phases of the game was exposed as they lost six wickets for 15 runs on Monday.
The silver lining certainly will be Wanindu Hasaranga’s leg-breaks which have been causing a few problems for the Indians save Suryakumar, who has been in prime form.
