Reports: Chahal, Gowtham test positive for Covid-19

After reports from PTI suggested that the Indian contingent, apart from Krunal Pandya, has left the Sri Lankan shores, ESPN Cricinfo now reported that Yuzvendra Chahal and K Gowtham, who were earlier identified as close contacts of Krunal Pandya, has tested positive for Covid-19. 

The duo, along with all eight close contacts of Krunal Pandya, have stayed back in Sri Lanka while the rest of the contingent have returned home following the 3rd T20I on Thursday. Hardik Pandya, Prithvi Shaw, Suryakumar Yadav, Manish Pandey, Deepak Chahar, and Ishan Kishan have been in isolation in Colombo as well.

Krunal tested positive on both Rapid Antigen and RT-PCR tests on July 27 and was immediately isolated. Following the protocols, the remaining eight players were immediately separated from the rest of the touring party and didn't take part in the second and third T20Is respectively.

It must be noted that the Sri Lankan government's guidelines clearly suggest that anyone testing positive for the virus should isolate for at least 10 days and can only leave the country after clearing a fresh round of tests. Those identified as close contacts of the affected person must isolate for seven days and then clear the prescribed tests. It would also mean the departure of both Suryakumar Yadav and Prithvi Shaw to England will be delayed.