IPL 2021 - RCB cricketer Devdutt Padikkal tests positive for COVID-19

Source@ https://www.cricadium.com/category/ipl/ipl-2021/ Just prior to the all-important 14th edition of the Indian Premier League, franchises are struggling with the best playing XI amid the recent surge in COVID-19 cases in India. Recently, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) got a big blow as their young and talented opening batsman Devdutt Padikkal has been tested positive for the global pandemic novel COVID-19 virus. As per the report in the Times of India, Padikkal has been under quarantine now and he is currently trying to be a match-fit for the season opener against Mumbai Indians on April 9 as well. The youngster has been in a sublime form recently. He was the highest run-getter for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the last season with a whopping 473 runs from 15 matches as well. Moreover, recently, he has smashed over 700 runs in the Vijay Hazare Trophy too and missing him in the opening will be massive for the team against a strong team like Mumbai Indians. However, not only RCB but Delhi Capitals also have been struggling with a few things. Their spinner Axar Patel too has been tested positive recently alongside ten ground staff at Wankhede Stadium as well. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is currently too in trouble after the COVID-19 scares and it can be understood that Indore and Hyderabad are on standby for hosting the tournament opener as well but shifting matches at this position might not be possible too. "It's too late to move the matches from Mumbai now. The members of the organizing team have been in separate bubble. The players are in strict bubble. BCCI had Hyderabad as a back-up but it’s very difficult to move it in a week," the official shared to the newspaper.