Although Delhi Capitals all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has tested positive for COVID-19, the BCCI isn’t pressing the panic button just yet where rescheduling of their matches is concerned.
Delhi play Punjab Kings on April 20 in Pune and Rajasthan Royals on April 22 at the same venue.
Australian Marsh first tested positive in Rapid Antigen Test, but his RT-PCR returned negative. To be completely sure, the RT-PCR test was redone, which confirmed he was indeed positive. He has been promptly isolated from the rest of the squad and is admitted to hospital.
As of now, DC physio Patrick Farhat and a masseur are confirmed positive along with Marsh. The entire squad has been put under quarantine as a precautionary measure. On Tuesday, another round of tests will be conducted which will give a clearer picture of whether DC can proceed with their matches in Pune.
“As of now, only three confirmed COVID cases have been detected. Once the final round of testing is done and if all return negative, there will be no issues in the squad travelling to Pune barring the three who are in isolation. With all teams having jumbo squads, we are pretty sure DC will be able to put 12 playing members on the field for their next game,” a BCCI source told mid-day. Only if the team are unable to field 12 players—seven Indians, four foreigners and one substitute—the BCCI would think of rescheduling the games.
Marsh played in DC’s last match against Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday when he scored 14 off 24 balls. Will RCB be put at risk? “Not really because Marsh had tested negative then. He has only tested positive today [Monday],” said the source. It is understood the players from both teams did not mingle and followed instructions from the BCCI to maintain social distancing.
The symptoms are understood to be mild. Marsh, the physio and the masseur are expected to be back on the park in a week’s time. The BCCI rules states that a person testing positive has to stay in isolation for at least seven days.
