Tim Seifert tests negative for COVID-19, on his way back to New Zealand

The 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) was suspended abruptly after multiple players and staff members contracted the COVID-19 virus. With the gala tournament postponed indefinitely, all the foreign players, commentators, coaches and media persons headed back home. However, some infected overseas stars weren’t allowed to travel with countrymen, and they stayed back in India. New Zealand batsman Tim Seifert also belongs to that category.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) bagged Seifert’s services in IPL 2020 and retained him for the following season. However, he’s yet to make his debut in the lucrative league. Seifert tested positive for COVID-19 after the tournament was suspended, and subsequently, he was not able to fly with his Kiwi teammates and remained in India. Nevertheless, the New Zealand dasher has recovered from the virus and is on his way back home.

Tim Seifert’s recovery from COVID-19 is really encouraging: Gary Stead

According to a report in stuff.co.nz, a New Zealand Cricket (NZC) spokesperson confirmed that Tim Seifert had left India to begin his journey back home. New Zealand head coach Gary Stead is also happy with the wicketkeeper-batsman’s recovery as he said it’s an encouraging sign for the cricketer.

“I heard from Tim just a little while ago. I think the really encouraging thing is he’s tested negative and my understanding is he’s on a flight out of India pretty quickly as well,” Stead said.

“I don’t know how long it’s going to take him to get back to New Zealand or where he’s heading via, but it’s great news for Tim, that for a start his health is on the improve anyway, to the point where he’s not testing positive anymore,” he added.

Meanwhile, other players from the New Zealand contingent have reached home, and the members of the Test squad have even reached England. The Kane Williamson-led side will meet England in a two-match Test series before locking horns with India in the much-awaited ICC World Test Championship final. The series with England gets underway on June 2, with the opening clash taking place at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in England.