Daniel Sams: The Australian all-rounder has become the second Royal Challengers Bangalore player to test positive for COVID-19.
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Australia and Royal Challengers Bangalore all-rounder Daniel Sams has tested positive for COVID-19 to become the fourth player to contact the virus ahead of the 14th season of the Indian Premier League.
Following opening batsman Devdutt Padikkal (now recovered), Sams is the second RCB player to test positive. The development was shared by the franchise via an official statement posted on their Twitter account.
Sams, who made his IPL debut for Delhi Capitals in the last season, had been roped in as England batsman Jason Roy’s replacement. After remaining wicketless in the three IPL 2020 matches for Capitals, Sams was subsequently traded to Royal Challengers alongside Harshal Patel before IPL 2021 auction earlier this year.
Daniel Sams tests positive for COVID-19 ahead of IPL 2021
Sams, 28, had checked into the team hotel in Chennai on April 3. While he was tested COVID-19 negative upon arrival, he ended up testing positive on Wednesday morning. Currently asymptomatic, Sams has been isolated from the rest of the squad at a designated medical facility.
Royal Challengers Bangalore medical team is in constant touch with Daniel Sams and continue to monitor his health and abide by the BCCI protocols.
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) April 7, 2021
Given his all-round skills, Sams was highly likely to be part of Bangalore’s Playing XI for their season opener against defending champions Mumbai Indians on April 9. Having said that, Royal Challengers do have the option of playing overseas all-rounders such as Kyle Jamieson and Daniel Christian in Chennai on Friday.
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Under captain Virat Kohli, RCB had qualified for the playoffs in the last season but failed to go past eventual runners-up in Capitals. To be even better prepared for this season, RCB ended up spending a maximum of INR 84.65 crore in the auction this year.
