Zimbabwe head coach Lalchand Rajput tests COVID-19 positive
The Covid-19 situation continues to get worse as the Zimbabwe head coach Lalchand Rajput has now tested positive and will be under isolation in a hotel. This comes as a huge setback for the visitors who will be touring Sri Lanka for a three-match ODI series and this will also put the series in jeopardy. The first ODI between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe starts on 16 January, while the second and third ODI takes place on 18 January and 21 January.
As per reports, Rajput was asymptomatic as confirmed by Sri Lanka’s top sports doctor Arjuna de Silva. The 60-year-old will now miss the first two ODI internationals due to the isolation protocols and his absence in the dugout will make it tougher for the Craig Ervine-led side. Rajput played two Tests and 4 ODIs for India in international cricket until becoming one of the most reputed coaches in the world.
Lalchand Rajput to undergo a 10-day quarantine
The sports doctor from Sri Lanka confirmed the Zimbabwe coach will have to go under isolation for 10 days and will not be part of the squad for the first two ODIs. Pallekele Stadium at Kandy will host the three ODIs while the positive thing for Zimbabwe is that no other player in the squad has tested positive yet. Meanwhile, this will be the first assignment for Sri Lanka after the T20 World Cup 2021 where they failed to make the knockout stages.
“We are doing some routine tests and he will be able to go back to a hotel. There will be a 10-day quarantine period which means he will miss the first two matches.” Arjun De Silva told as reported by News18.
Zimbabwe’s squad for Sri Lanka ODIs
Squad: Craig Ervine (capt), Ryan Burl, Regis Chakabva, Tendai Chatara, Luke Jongwe, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Clive Madande, Wesly Madhevere, Wellington Masakadza, Tinotenda Mutombodzi, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Sikandar Raza, Milton Shumba, Sean Williams
Sri Lanka has named a probable 18 member squad while they are yet to finalize their squad for the upcoming series.
