Reports: Rishabh Pant tests Covid-19 negative, set to join team bubble

Ahead of the start of the five-match Test series against England, India’s keeper-batter Rishabh Pant had tested positive for Covid-19 on July 8. But now it has been reported that Pant has tested negative and has successfully recovered. Moving ahead, this is a big boost for the Indian team as Rishabh Pant stands as an important cog in the team’s wheel.

Previously it came as a huge blow for the team as along with him India’s throw down specialist Dayanand Garani also returned positive for the virus. Wriddhiman Saha and bowling coach Bharat Arun who came in close contact with him also had to serve the isolation period post Garani’s positive report. Talking about Pant, he was at his friend’s house in London for the 10 days long isolation period.

However, Pant wouldn’t join the Indian side for their first practice game where the team will lock horn against the Select County XI in Durham, which will kick start from July 20. Post this game, Pant is expected to be available for the second practice match which will be played later this month. The sources who are close to the development told Times Now that Rishabh Pant has recovered from the virus and would regroup with the team’s bio-bubble on Tuesday, July 20.

With Rishabh Pant’s unavailability, KL Rahul is likely to take the charge of the gloves

The Indian team has an alternative in KL Rahul as a replacement for Rishabh Pant. As even Wriddhiman Saha is unavailable for the first game, it is expected that KL Rahul will do the glovework for the Indian team against the Select County XI match which has been given the first-class status. On the other hand, Pant would be seen back in his role in the second warm-up game once he joins the squad.

After the break, the Indian players regrouped in Durham for the warm-up game. Owing to these difficult times, they have been undergoing frequent Covid-19 tests to avoid any further concerns. These warm-up games that will be played ahead of the Test match series will help India to monitor the conditions better and make themselves prepared for the big challenge.