Devdutt Padikkal and Ruturaj Gaikwad are expected to make their debuts in a dramatic fashion. It is said that Prithvi Shaw did come in close contact with COVID-positive Krunal Pandya. On the other hand, Shikhar Dhawan did open the innings and came in contact with Prithvi Shaw. Now, if the young Indian opener tested COVID positive then Shikhar Dhawan will be asked to isolate himself.
And, if this all happened then Devdutt Padikkal and Ruturaj Gaikwad can get their debut games. Both the mentioned players are currently with Team India on a tour to Sri Lanka. They were part of the ODI and T20I series. But, failed in getting a single game to play donning the national jersey.
Devudutt Padikkal and Ruturaj Gaikwad Can Debut Against Sri Lanka: Reports
But, now there is a small bleak chance that India can play two debutant openers in the 2nd T20I. However, it all depends on the tests of all the players. Prithvi Shaw and Suryakumar Yadav along with the other six players are isolated inside a bio-bubble. And, their availability for the game is dependent on the awaited RT-PCR reports.
The 2nd T20I that was slated to be played on 27th July was postponed to 28th July after Krunal Pandya, who played in the series opener, was tested COVID positive. With few hours left in the 2nd T20I, reports have emerged from the dressing room that if by any chance Prithvi Shaw tested positive then Shikhar Dhawan, who came in close contact with the young opener, will also not play in the 2nd T20I. And, this will indirectly open the doors for the Devdutt Padikkal and Ruturaj Gaekwad.
Currently, Team India is leading the T20I series by 1-0 and they can take an accessible lead over the hosts. Now, it will be interesting to watch how COVID hit visitors will cope up and perform in the 2nd T20I.
