IPL 2023: First case of dreaded Covid-19 hits ongoing season after commentator tests positive for virus

Former India cricketer, who is currently commentating in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), Aakash Chopra on April 4 (Tuesday) announced that he has tested positive for the dreaded Covid-19 virus.

SportsTak

• Tue • 04 Apr 2023

Former India cricketer, who is currently commentating in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), Aakash Chopra on April 4 (Tuesday) announced that he has tested positive for the dreaded Covid-19 virus. The cricketer-turned-commentator took to Twitter and gave an update on his health.

"Caught and Bowled Covid. Yups…the C Virus has struck again. Really mild symptoms … all under control," Chopra said in a Tweet.

"Will be away from the commentary duties for a few days, hoping to come back stronger #TataIPL," he added.

This is the first recorded case of a person involved in the ongoing cash-rich tournament who tested positive for the deadly virus. In the last few days, there has been a rise in Covid cases in the country. According to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday, India reported 3,038 new Covid cases while the active cases across the country currently stand at 21,179.

Talking about the IPL, an exciting game of cricket is lined up for fans on Tuesday. Defending champions Gujarat Titans will square off against the Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. Playing their first game at home this season, David Warner's men would hope for a quick turnaround as they lost their opening game by a comprehensive margin of 50 runs against the Lucknow Super Giants.

Having said that, the Titans would pose a great degree of challenge to Delhi. Hardik Pandya's men are high on confidence not just because they are the defending champions but also because their start to this season has been fantastic. The Titans defeated the Chennai Super Kings in the opening match of the tournament by five wickets.

In terms of the standings, the Titans are currently fourth on the points table with one win in as many games played. They have a Net Run Rate (NRR) of +0.514. The Delhi-based franchise is in ninth place with one loss in as many games. Warner's team has an NRR of -2.500.