'We are keeping a tab on the situation'- IPL Chairman in the wake of coronavirus threat ahead of SA series

The outbreak of the fast proliferating coronavirus has rung alarm bells around the world. The disease which started as a flu-like-illness in the central city of Wuhan, last year, has spread to almost 80 nations with more and more cases being reported outside of China.

The virus has accounted for more than 3,200 lives and counting, besides infecting more than 95,000 people globally. The virus has made his presence felt in India too with 29 confirmed cases reported across the country.

In the wake of an escalating situation, questions have galore on the viability of staging several sporting events including the upcoming South African tour of India and the IPL, but the Board of Control for India (BCCI) has said that they are keeping a tab on the situation and, as of now, things will go ahead as planned.

“We are keeping a tab on the situation. Before the IPL we have the South Africa series. Everything is on the schedule currently,” Brijesh Patel, IPL governing council chairman, said as quoted by Rediff.

South Africa will play three ODIs in India between from March 12 to 18

South Africa will return to India to complete the tour that had started way back in September-October where the team from rainbow nation locked horns with the Men in Blue in three T20Is and as many Tests. The ODI leg of the tour will start from March 12, with the three 50-over games set to be played in Dharamsala, Lucknow and Kolkata.

Unlike the last time where the Proteas came in as heavy underdogs, the Quinton de Kock-led side may start the ODI series on an even field, considering the revival of their fortunes (they hold an unassailable 2-0 lead in the ongoing series against Australia) coupled with the fall in India’s stock courtesy a mauling at the hands of New Zealand in the recently concluded ODI (0-3) and Test series (0-2).

South Africa’s young guns in Janneman Malan and Henrich Klassen have been the spearheads in their series win against Australia and the batting will only get stronger with Faf du Plessis and Rassie van der Dussen coming back into the team.

But the Proteas will also have to be wary against a Virat Kohli-led Team India, who are hurting by the recent reversal and vying for redemption to regain their lost pride.