RCB opener Devdutt Padikkal tests positive for COVID-19 - Reports

In a major setback to the Indian Premier League, RCB stalwart Devdutt Padikkal has reportedly tested positive for the Coronavirus. Padikkal is the third IPL bound player to return positive results. Earlier, KKR's Nitish Rana and DC all-rounder Axar Patel also tested positive for the virus. According to a report from the Times of India, Padikkal has isolated himself post testing positive.

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As per the BCCI SOP, any player who tests positive for the Coronavirus must isolate himself for a minimum of ten days.

"During the 10-day isolation, the individual must rest and avoid any exercises. The team doctor should regularly monitor the case. If symptoms worsen during the course of isolation, the individual must be hospitalised immediately," the report states.

With Royal Challengers Bangalore set to play their 1st game against Mumbai Indians on 9th April at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, Devdutt Padikkal is almost certain to miss their opening fixture.

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Apart from Devdutt Padikkal, Axar Patel and Nitish Rana, eight members of the Wankhede Stadium also tested positive for the virus. The second wave of the Coronavirus is at its peak in India with the country reporting nearly a lakh cases per day.

Padikkal’s loss is a major blow to Virat Kohli’s RCB as the southpaw was coming back from some hefty performances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he amassed 737 runs, including 4 consecutive tons. Padikkal was one of the finds for RCB in the last season. Opening the batting, Padikkal got RCB off to brilliant starts on most occasions. He scored 473 runs in 15 games at a strike rate of 124.80, including five half centuries. He was also named the “ "Emerging Player of the Year"