India all-rounder Krunal Pandya had tested positive for Covid-19 in Sri Lanka while the team was touring the island nation for a three-match ODI series and as many T20Is.
While Krunal and his close contacts were isolated and missed the last two fixtures of the T20I series that India eventually lost, questions are now being raised on BCCI’s medical officer in Sri Lanka for delaying the RT-PCR test.
“Krunal had throat pain on July 26 and he followed the protocol informing the medical officer. It is strange that he should have been immediately isolated with a Rapid Antigen Test (self-test kit) done. But nothing of that sort happened,” a BCCI source privy to developments in Sri Lanka was quoted as saying by PTI.
The source admitted that the rapid antigen test isn’t as conclusive but as per the protocols, it is the first step.
“Although the Rapid Antigen Test is not conclusive, it’s the first part of the protocol. But I can confirm, Krunal despite throat pain attended a team meeting," added the source.
Another concern being raised is on the timing and schedule of testing by the BCCI medical team during the Sri Lanka series. “In fact, another question that’s being raised is how come BCCI’s medical team in Sri Lanka agreed to test every fifth day whereas, in IPL, testing is done every third day,” asked the source.
After Krunal, Krishnappa Gowtham and leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal had also tested positive. The three players have now returned home after recovering.