BCCI president Saurav Ganguly on Tuesday said that the series between India and South Africa remains on the schedule but they are watching the situation closely surrounding the emergence of the new Covid-19 variant.
BCCI president Saurav Ganguly revealed on Tuesday that the series between India and South Africa remains on the schedule but they are watching the situation closely surrounding the fears of the new Covid-19 variant.
Concerns have been raised following the newly spread Covid-19 variant, named Omicron, which was initially spotted in South Africa.
“The tour is on as things stand till now. We still have time to decide. The first Test is scheduled for December 17. We will ponder about it,”
Ganguly told reporters on the sidelines of a promotional event.
India will play the final Test match against New Zealand in Mumbai and they are expected to depart for Johannesburg on December 8 or 9 on a chartered flight.
“Players’ security and health has always been BCCI’s first priority, we will do everything possible for this. We will see what happens in the days to come,”
he added.
On the tour of South Africa, India will play three Test matches, three ODI’s, and four T20Is.
The former Indian captain also backed up the all-rounder Hardik Pandya to regain his place in the squad after completely returning back to fitness.
“He is a good cricketer. He’s not fit, that’s why he’s not there in the team. He’s young, I hope he makes a comeback after recovering from his injury,”
he said.
Recently, the Indian legendary Kapil Dev pointed out Hardik Pandya’s role as an all-rounder in the Indian team after he had stopped bowling following his back surgery.
“Don’t compare him (Hardik) with Kapil Dev. He belonged to a different league,”
Ganguly concluded.