Rajasthan Royals fielding coach and former Rajasthan wicketkeeper Dishant Yagnik has tested positive for Covid-19, the franchise confirmed in a statement on Wednesday. He is currently in Udaipur and has been advised to get admitted to hospital for a 14-day quarantine.
The Covid-19 tests for the Royals players and support staff were conducted before they were to assemble in Mumbai next week before flying to the UAE for the IPL. After his 14-day quarantine, Yagnik will have to undergo two tests as per the BCCI protocols. After two negative reports, he will be allowed to join the team after self-isolating for six days and receiving three further negative tests upon his arrival in the UAE.
“The franchise implemented an extra test for all players, support staff and management travelling to the UAE in addition to the two tests recommended by BCCI, to ensure as robust a process as possible,” the franchise statement said.
“We request everyone who has been in close proximity to Dishant in the past 10 days to self isolate and get tested for COVID-19. We can confirm that no Rajasthan Royals or other IPL players have been in close proximity to Dishant in the past 10 days. We wish Dishant a speedy recovery and look forward to him joining the Royals camp soon in the UAE.”
Hi all, I hv tested COVID +. Pls get tested if you hv been in contact with me in the last 10 days. In line wd BCCI protocols I will be now quarantining for 14 days. I will then need 2 ngtv tests b4 joining the team @rajasthanroyals in UAE. Thx 4 yr blessings & good wishes!
— Dishant Yagnik (@Dishantyagnik77) August 12, 2020
Yagnik had also played for the Royals in the IPL from 2011 to 2014, and the Champions League T20 in 2013, for a total of 27 matches. He was already playing for Rajasthan across formats in the Indian domestic circuit, from 2002-03 to 2017. Recently, he had also been roped in as Puducherry’s fielding coach for the 2020-21 domestic season.