IPL 2022: Mitchell Marsh tests positive for COVID-19, four more members of DC contingent in isolation

Capitals had played its last group league match against Royal Challengers Bangalore on Saturday, a day after Farhart and a masseur tested positive for the virus. The Capitals players were advised to stay away from hugging or shaking hands with RCB players.

Depending on how things pan out, the BCCI will take a call on Wednesday's fixture between Delhi and Punjab Kings in Pune. 

Allrounder Mitchell Marsh has been hospitalised after being diagnosed with COVID-19 on Monday. Marsh thus becomes the first cricketer to contract the coronovirus during the Indian Premier League’s 2022 edition.

A statement by Delhi Capitals on Monday night confirmed Marsh “has been admitted to a hospital”.

“The Delhi Capitals medical team is closely monitoring Marsh’s condition. A few more members from the Delhi Capitals bio-bubble, including support staff members, have returned positive tests as well. Though they are all asymptomatic, their condition is being monitored closely by the franchise,” added the statement.

Confirmed: Mitchell Marsh is positive. Four more members of the Delhi Capitals contingent have been identified as close contacts and will remain in isolation for a week. All other players have returned negative test results #IPL2022@TheHinduSports@sportstarweb

— Amol Karhadkar (@karhacter) April 18, 2022

While the franchise did not specify, The Hindu understands that besides Marsh and physiotherapist Patrick Farhart (diagnosed on Friday), three others in the Capitals contingent have contracted the virus.

They include a team massuer, the team doctor and a member of its media team. Three staffers of the hotel in south Mumbai who were also in a biosecure environment have also been confirmed to be COVID-19 positive.

Following Marsh’s positive test, the Capitals’ scheduled travel to Pune for its next two games was put on hold. The Capitals are set to face Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals in Pune on Wednesday and Friday, respectively. According to the IPL 2022 rulebook, in case of a COVID-19 outbreak, a team can field a team if 12 players, including at least seven Indians, are available for a game.

With Marsh having been involved in the Capitals’ game against Royal Challengers Bangalore on Saturday, the IPL authorities are keeping their fingers crossed about virus having been passed on to the opposition camp. With Farhart’s test returning positive on Friday, both the squads were instructed to avoid post-match handshakes and inter-squad interactions.

The Capitals are set to face Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals in Pune on Wednesday and Friday, respectively. According to the IPL 2022 rulebook, in case of a COVID-19 outbreak, a team can field a team if 12 players, including at least seven Indians, are available for a game.

While the Delhi Capitals statement mentioned all the other squad members are isolated in their rooms, The Hindu understands that the remaining squad members will undergo another round of testing on Monday night. Depending on the results of the tests, expected by Tuesday afternoon, the Capitals’ departure plan for Pune will be decided.