IPL 2021: Major setback for RCB, after KKR and DC this star player from “RCB” tested positive for COVID-19

By
Birupaksh Kaundilya
Birupaksh Kaundilya is a student of Journalism - Mass Media. A media enthusiast who has a strong hold on communication and content writing. He is a...
2 Min Read
Credit: Deccan Chronicle

The IPL was hit by coronavirus on Saturday after Delhi Capitals all-rounder  Axar Patel tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of the start of the 14th season. Now in the latest development, Devdutt Padikkal is the latest IPL player to have contracted the novel coronavirus. Padikkal is undergoing quarantine after testing positive, the Karnataka opener is in a race against time to be fit.

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The positive test now makes him doubtful for the IPL opener against reigning champions Mumbai Indians. Devdutt Padikkal, last year edged captain Virat Kohli and veteran batsman AB de Villiers to top score for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). The left-handed opener amassed 473 runs in IPL 2020, his debut season while opening for the team alongside Aaron Finch. His unavailability would come as a major setback for RCB. The side is in Chennai where they are training for the first match.

Devdutt Padikkal ( Credit: Web )

The Virat Kohli-led side is scheduled to play this edition’s inaugural game against defending champions Mumbai. BCCI is taking more stringent steps to keep the ecosystem safe over the next two months. The IPL is returning to India this year after moving out to the UAE for the 2020 season due to the coronavirus pandemic. IPL 2020 was held across Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi as Mumbai Indians marched to a record-extending fifth title.

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This year’s IPL has been scheduled across six cities with the coronavirus pandemic in mind. The tournament will be played across Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Delhi, and Ahmedabad. All games will be held in neutral venues, ensuring that no team gets home advantage.

Birupaksh Kaundilya is a student of Journalism - Mass Media. A media enthusiast who has a strong hold on communication and content writing. He is a passionate blogger who understands the power of words. Birupaksh is currently working as an Journalist at Sports Digest and can be reached at [email protected]