IPL 2021: Three members of CSK contingent return positive COVID-19 tests

Three members of the Chennai Super Kings’ IPL contingent – chief executive Kasi Viswanathan, bowling coach L Balaji, and a bus cleaner – have tested positive for COVID-19.

It is understood that the others in the group, which is currently in Delhi, have cleared their tests, which were conducted on Sunday.

Viswanathan, Balaji and the member of the maintenance staff, ESPNcricinfo has learnt, took a fresh test on Monday morning to rule out the possibility of a false positive. If they test positive again, they will need to spend 10 days in a designated isolation facility outside the team bubble and return two negative tests before being allowed to re-enter.

Balaji, the former India fast bowler, was in the team’s dugout on Saturday, when the Super Kings lost off the last ball to the Mumbai Indians. As things stand, though, their next match, against the Rajasthan Royals in Delhi on May 5, is set to go ahead.

This follows the news that Monday’s IPL game has been postponed after two Kolkata Knight Riders players tested positive.

An ECB spokesperson said the England board was monitoring the situation at the IPL, but the decision to continue to play or leave would be left to the players. “We continue to monitor and communicate with our players and staff currently in India,” the spokesperson said. “In terms of continued participation, it will be a decision that will be taken by each individual.”

Among the 11 England players currently at the IPL, three belong to the two affected franchises: Moeen Ali and Sam Curran are with the Super Kings, and Eoin Morgan is with the Knight Riders.

This is the second time the Super Kings have had to deal with a COVID-19 outbreak in the team bubble. At IPL 2020, in the UAE, Viswanathan’s wife had been one of several members – including players Deepak Chahar and Ruturaj Gaikwad – to test positive ahead of the tournament. (ESPNCricinfo)