Amid the Omicron scare that originated from South Africa, BCCI is all set to clear Team India’s travel to South Africa. They are convinced that a bio-bubble created by the CSA will be safe for the players. The tour will be of 3 tests, 3 ODIs and 4 T20 internationals. The matches are scheduled to begin on December 17 in Johannesburg.
The players will be in a watertight environment during their 7-week tour. A senior BCCI official stated to PTI that Team India is going to South Africa and it is confirmed. It is known that the approval stamp was given by the general body during Saturday’s BCCI AGM and this topic of Team India’s South Africa trip was one of the agendas.
However, Team India might be running a little late on their schedule after playing against New Zealand in India. The matches probably will be behind closed doors but for South Africa, their financial health hinges on Team India’s visit as multi-million dollar TV rights are at stake.
For BCCI, one of the biggest benefits is Team India’s 3 test match series. The source said that the bio-bubble was made by the CSA. They also added that there is a lot of data available on how severe the variant can be. They said that BCCI has not received any communication about cancelling the tour from the government.
The source said that the team will enter the bio-bubble immediately after they enter SA by a charter flight. Even if the flights are delayed, it will bubble to bubble transfer and no serious quarantine will be required. The departure will be smooth; however, BCCI will have to face what happens when the players return from South Africa. Currently, India has strict guidelines for international passengers flying from South Africa across various states.
Rahane’s Test Vice-captaincy in doubts
Ajinkya Rahane’s average performance led him to drop out of Test XI against New Zealand in Mumbai and now it is doubtful whether he will return as a vice caption or not. Once KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma are back in the game and with Virat Kohli in the team, it is much likely that Rahane will be a choice for vice-captain.
There are also chances that he might not go for the South Africa tour even if he makes the cut. Probably Rohit Sharma or KL Rahul will be vice-captains for this tour and the matches.
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