Cricket superstar Sachin Tendulkar is recovering at home with 'mild symptoms' after contracting COVID19 as India wrestles with a surge in infections ahead of the Australian contingent's arrival for the IPL
Tendulkar confirmed as COVID case after T20 exhibition
India's batting great Sachin Tendulkar has contracted COVID19 as infections continue to surge in the world's second-most populous country.
Tendulkar, who will turn 48 next month, retired from the professional game in 2013 after notching a still unmatched 100 international centuries in a prolific 24-year career.
"I have been testing myself and taking all the recommended precautions to ensure COVID is kept at bay.," Tendulkar announced on Twitter on Saturday.
However, I have tested positive today following mild symptoms.
"All others at home have tested negative. I have quarantined myself at home and I am following all the necessary protocols as advised by my doctors."
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) March 27, 2021
Tendulkar recently featured in an exhibition T20 tournament in India that saw former players from India, England, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and the Caribbean play in front of crowds.
Former India allrounder Yusuf Pathan, a teammate of Tendulkar in that tournament, has also reported he has tested positive.
India on Saturday reported 62,258 new COVID-19 infections, its highest since October, taking its overall tally to 11.91 million. The death toll rose by 291 to stand at 161,240.
I've tested positive for COVID-19 today with mild symptoms. Post the confirmation, I have quarantined myself at home and taking all the necessary precautions and medication required.
— Yusuf Pathan (@iamyusufpathan) March 27, 2021
I would request those who came in contact with me to get themselves tested at the earliest.
Tendulkar lives in Mumbai, the capital of the Western Indian state of Maharashtra which has been the hardest hit by a resurgence in cases.
The news comes with the bulk of the Australians set to feature in this year's tournament set to fly out to India for the IPL later this week.
Eighteen Australians, headlined by Pat Cummins' 15.5 Crore contract – now worth about $2.8m – will play in this year's IPL which is to be hosted in India.
Last year's event was held in the UAE amid coronavirus concerns in India.
Cummins will be joined by Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, David Warner, Riley Meredith, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Marcus Stoinis, Moises Henriques, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitch Marsh, Josh Hazlewood, Andrew Tye and Daniel Sams are all set to fly out on April 1.
Dan Christian, Ben Cutting and Chris Lynn, who were part of the Pakistan Super League until that tournament was halted midway through due to a coronavirus outbreak, spent time training at the ICC Academy in Dubai but have now already made their way to India to link up with their franchises.
Adam Zampa will arrive late to the IPL as he remains back for his wedding in Byron Bay, while Josh Philippe has withdrawn from this year's tournament.
The Australians are expected to be required to serve a seven-day quarantine in India before being cleared to join the IPL bubble. The tournament begins on April 9.