Shastri, Arun, Sridhar Needs A Fit To Fly Certificate: BCCI

Team India’s head coach Ravi Shastri, fielding coach R Sridhar and bowling coach Bharat Arun, are yet to become eligible to fly out of England as per BCCI officials, in what can only be described as a big development. And for the unfamiliar, Shastri caught the COVID-19 virus before England’s 4th Test against India earlier this month. He was finally placed in isolation with Arun and Sridhar, two of his close contacts.

Although the 4th Test was not affected by this news, the 5th and final Test got postponed indefinitely due to additional instances in the India camp. Whereas the rest of the Indian team has already gone for the 2nd leg of the IPL 2021, Shastri, Arun, and Sridhar have remained in India owing to quarantine regulations.

Shastri, Arun, and Sridhar are all doing well having recovered from COVID-19: BCCI official

All 3 members of the support staff have confirmed negative COVID-19 testing so far. They’ve even completed the required 10-day period of isolation. They would, however, have to pass a “fit to fly” test in order to board the flight to UAE.

“Shastri, Arun, and Sridhar are all doing well physically having recovered from COVID-19. They are out of isolation. However, as per health protocols, they need to have a CT score of 38 plus which will ensure a fit-to-fly certificate for them. We expect them to fly out in the next two days if all goes well with CT score,” a senior BCCI official said.

However, a CT scan indicates the existence of viral load in a COVID-19 infected person as well as the extent of infection in his lungs. A higher CT score implies recovery, and it is considered that a CT score of 40 is required for long flights.

Since none of the 3 Indian coaches show any symptoms and are in good condition, they may only fly back after receiving a certificate from the health authority. Furthermore, the trio’s next job is to compete in the high-octane T20 World Cup 2021, which begins on October 17. Time does not appear to be an issue for Shastri, Arun, or Sridhar, despite the fact that the worldwide event is only a month away.