The Indian contingent in Sri Lanka has been rocked by COVID-19 as all-rounder Krunal Pandya tested positive on Tuesday (July 27). Krunal tested positive ahead of the second T20I between India and Sri Lanka at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo leading to the postponement of the game. The match has been pushed back by a day and will take place on July 28 (Wednesday).

BCCI confirmed the reports of Krunal testing positive as the board stated in a release that the all-rounder tested positive during the rapid antigen tests conducted on Tuesday morning. BCCI also confirmed that its medical team has identified eight members as close contacts of the all-rounder.

As per ESPN Cricinfo, all eight members identified as close contacts of the all-rounder, are a part of the Indian contingent. All the members of the Indian contingent underwent another round of COVID-19 tests on Tuesday to identify other positive cases in the squad. The news of Krunal’s positive test came as a shock to many as the team has been living in a strict bio-bubble in Colombo.

So far no positive COVID-19 cases have been reported in the Sri Lankan contingent, who are scheduled to undergo tests on Wednesday morning. While Krunal will remain in isolation, it has not been confirmed if the eight close contacts will also be asked to serve a mandatory isolation period.

In England, bowling coach Bharat Arun and wicket-keeper Wriddhiman Saha were forced into isolation after the duo came in contact with the team’s throwdown specialist Dayanand Garani, who had tested positive for COVID-19. As of now, BCCI has confirmed that the second T20I will go ahead on Wednesday followed by the third T20I on Thursday (July 29)

India currently lead the three-match T20I series 1-0 after defeating Sri Lanka by 38 runs in the series-opener in Colombo on Sunday. Vice-captain Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Suryakumar Yadav were the stars with the ball and bat respectively as India successfully defended a total of 164 runs to get off to a winning start in the series.