Originally slated for July 27th, the second T20I between Sri Lanka and India has been rescheduled for July 28th because all-rounder Krunal Pandya contracted COVID-19. The third and final game remains on track for July 29th.
The BCCI has implemented mandatory RT-PCR testing for the whole Indian team to curb any further spread of the virus. Additionally, medical officials have identified eight team members who were in close proximity to the infected player.
A Rapid Antigen Test performed before Tuesday's match revealed that Krunal Pandya is COVID-19 positive. As a result, the all-rounder will spend the next seven days in self-isolation. During the first match, Pandya performed well, claiming one wicket for 16 runs in his two overs.
Although the eight players identified as close contacts of Krunal Pandya tested negative via RT-PCR, they will be sidelined for the second T20I as a preventative measure.
India is currently ahead in the three-match T20I series. Because of the ongoing pandemic, the R Premadasa stadium has remained empty for all fixtures. The series will now conclude with back-to-back matches on Wednesday and Thursday.
This health scare within the camp may disrupt the travel schedules for Prithvi Shaw and Suryakumar Yadav, both of whom are due in London to join the Test squad for the series against England. It remains unclear if either of them is among the eight players currently in isolation.