Wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant has tested positive for COVID-19 in the ongoing tour of England and will not travel with the team to Durham as it reassembles for next month's Test series against the hosts.A BCCI source confirmed that it was Pant who tested positive and was in isolation for the past eight days. He is, according to the source, asymptomatic at this point."He is in quarantine at an acquaintance's place and won't be travelling with the team to Durham on Thursday," he said without divulging when the 23-year-old will join the squad.The development comes close on the heels of BCCI secretary Jay Shah sending an e-mail to the Indian contingent, warning it about the rising cases of COVID-19 in the United Kingdom.
Speculations are rife that ay Shah had warned all players against attending Wimbledon and Euro 2020. Jay Shah, in his letter, had urged the members of the Indian contingent to 'avoid' crowded places as Covishield, the vaccine which has been given to the team, only provides protection, not full immunity against the virus.The letter specifically stated that players should avoid going to the Wimbledon and Euro Championships, both of which recently concluded there.The Indian players were on a 2-week long break after the conclusion of the World Test Championship against New Zealand, which the team lost last month. Pant was seen attending a Euro 2020 match last month and had even posted pictures on his social media accounts. The Indian team is due to take on England in a five-match Test series starting August 4. Visitors will play a practice game starting July 20.
