Black Caps’ wicketkeeper-batsman Tim Seifert, who represented Kolkata Knight Riders in the now postponed IPL 2021, has tested positive for COVID-19 and will not be travelling home on the charter flight with the rest of IPL-based New Zealand players, support staff and commentators.
Seifert, who is currently in isolation in Ahmedabad, is expected to be transferred to Chennai for treatment, in the same private hospital where former Australia cricketer and CSK batting coach Michael Hussey has been staying since testing positive for COVID-19.
As per New Zealand Cricket’s statement on Saturday, Seifert failed both his pre-departure RT-PCR tests and is currently experiencing “moderate symptoms”. The statement also noted that he had “returned seven negative tests in the 10 days leading up to his pre-departure protocols”.
“Once Seifert has undergone treatment and the statutory period of isolation and has tested negative for COVID-19, he will be transferred back to New Zealand where he will undergo the mandatory 14-day period of managed isolation,” the NZC statement said.