Second T20I to go ahead on July 28 amid COVID-19 concerns

Cricket fans have witnessed some exciting action in India’s ongoing tour of Sri Lanka. Although the visitors won three of the four white-ball games so far, the Lankan Lions have put up a commendable fight. While fans were gearing up for the remaining two matches, a bad piece of news came to the fore. Indian all-rounder Krunal Pandya tested positive for the COVID-19 virus and got ruled out of the remaining two T20Is.

Notably, the second T20I, which was initially scheduled to take place on Tuesday (July 27), was postponed the next day following Krunal’s positive result. Furthermore, eight players were identified close to Krunal and subsequently, they also went under RT-PCR tests. Fortunately, none of the players besides the all-rounder contracted the virus. However, the problem didn’t end here.

Farveez Maharoof gives a massive update!

Several reports suggest that those eight players won’t participate in the remaining matches due to safety concerns. Speculations also rife that the second T20I might be postponed further. However, former Sri Lanka all-rounder Farveez Maharoof took to Twitter and confirmed that the game will go as per schedule. “Yes!!!!! Informed that the game is on #SLvIND,” he tweeted.

Yes!!!!! Informed that the game is on #SLvIND

— Farveez Maharoof (@farveezmaharoof) July 28, 2021

Director of Sony Sports Network, Hemant Buch also confirmed that the game will take place as per schedule. Notably, Sony Sports Network holds the broadcasting rights for India’s tour of Sri Lanka. Hence, fans must gear up to witness live action. However, it would be interesting to see how India’s playing XI would look.

Been told today’s game is definitely on! #SLvIND

— Hemant (@hemantbuch) July 28, 2021

While any official announcement is yet to come, Sports Tak reported the names of those eight players close to Krunal. They are Hardik Pandya, Yuzvendra Chahal, Suryakumar Yadav, Prithvi Shaw, Krishnappa Gowtham, Shikhar Dhawan, Ishan Kishan, Manish Pandey. Except for Pandey and Gowtham, all these names feature in the first T20I. Hence, India will be forced to make as many as seven changes in the second T20I if all these players are unavailable.

Meanwhile, India are 1-0 in the three-match series. Hence, a win in the second game would seal the deal for them. However, emerging victorious with a further depleted line-up would be a daunting task for visitors. Hence, the Lankan Lions must back themselves to earn an equalizer.