India and Australia are involved in a four-Test series for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Down Under. All the players are confined to a bio-bubble sphere, as they are restricted from wandering off. However, some players have been accused of a possible violation.
As India is taking on Australia in a four-Test series, Down Under, strict protocols are being followed due to the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, the players have been confined to the bio-bubble sphere, to limit interactions with others.
However, on Saturday, a Twitter post from a fan revealed that a few Indian players were seen at a Melbourne restaurant, which could be considered a possible bio-bubble breach. The players happened to be Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, Navdeep Saini and Prithvi Shaw.
Here is the video of the same posted by the user:
Bc mere saamne waale table par gill pant sharma saini fuckkkkkk pic.twitter.com/yQUvdu3shF
— Navaldeep Singh (@NavalGeekSingh)According to the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, a restaurant staff member also confirmed the players' visit. The Twitter user also claimed to have paid the bill for the players, which amounted to around $118.69.
The user further explained in a series of tweets that the players had urged him to take the money for the bill he paid. He also said that they clicked photos together, while Pant hugged him, before clarifying that he didn't.
When they got know that i have paid the bill.. Rohit sharma said bhaji pese lelo yaar acha nai lagta.. i said no sir its on me. Pant hugged me and said photo tabhi hogi jab pese loge wapis. I said no bro not happening. Finally sabane photo khichwai :) mja aa gya yaar
— Navaldeep Singh (@NavalGeekSingh)Clarification - Pant never hugged me it was all said in excitement we maintained social distance all thru:) Apologies for miscommunication
— Navaldeep Singh (@NavalGeekSingh)ALSO READ: Watch Rohit Sharma sweats it out at nets ahead of Test return
Meanwhile, following the incident, Cricket Australia (CA) sent out an update, saying that the players were isolated from each other and other team members "in accordance with the strict protocols that have been put in place to ensure the ongoing safety of all members of the Indian and Australian squads".
"The BCCI and CA are investigating the matter and seeking to determine whether the outing constitutes a breach of biosecurity protocols. In the interim, on the advice of the Australian and Indian medical teams, the aforementioned players have been placed in isolation as a precaution. This will include separating the group of players from the broader Indian and Australian squads when travelling and at the training venue," the statement added.
The team would travel to Sydney in the coming days for the upcoming third Test, slated to be played from Thursday. The four-Test series is currently locked 1-1, as India defends the tile, having won during its previous visit, in 2018-19.