IPL 2021: Daniel Sams tests positive for COVID-19 ahead of season opener

Royal Challengers Bangalore, on Wednesday, have announced that their all-rounder Daniel Sams has tested positive for COVID-19. The Australia star is the second player from the Bangalore-based outfit to contract the virus was opening batsman Devdutt Padikkal. The left-handed batsman had tested positive on March 22 and has been isolating at his home in Bengaluru since then.

Unlike Padikkal, Sams joined the RCB camp in Chennai before being tested positive. According to the statement from the franchise, the 28-year old arrived in Chennai on April 3 and tested negative. However, his report from the second test on Wednesday came positive. The franchise also confirmed that their new recruit is not showing any symptoms and is currently in isolation.

“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,” RCB stated in an official release.

“Royal Challengers Bangalore medical team is in constant touch with Daniel Sams and continue to monitor his health and abide by the BCCI protocols,” added the franchise.

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 (@RCBTweets) April 7, 2021

The diagnosis means Sams is set to miss at least the first two games for the franchise. RCB will start their campaign on April 9 against defending IPL champions Mumbai Indians. Their second game is on April 14 and Sams will miss that game too. During his 10-day isolation period, Sams will undergo an RT-PCR test on Day 9 and Day 10.

He will be allowed to re-enter the bio-bubble only after both the test results are negative. Meanwhile, Padikkal has reportedly tested negative but is yet to join the team in Chennai.

Daniel Sams’ first season with RCB

Daniel Sams was gearing up for his first season with RCB. The left-arm pacer made his IPL debut last year when he plied his trade for Delhi Capitals. But after three wicketless outings for them, Delhi traded him to the RCB. Sams had a good outing in the last edition of the Big Bash League where he impressed with both bat and ball.

Playing for Sydney Thunder, he scored an impressive 200 runs at a superb strike-rate of 188.67. With the ball, he picked up 11 wickets. He also played a 15-ball 41-run knock against New Zealand during the second game of the T20I series last month.