India head coach Ravi Shastri and skipper Virat Kohli trolled over book launch event as 5th Test cancelled over Covid-19 fears

Tribune Web Desk
Chandigarh, September 10

India head coach Ravi Shastri and skipper Virat Kohli found themselves being the centre of memes and trolling on social media on Friday after the fifth and final Test between India and England at Old Trafford was cancelled over Covid-19 outbreak fears.

“Following ongoing conversations with the BCCI, the ECB can confirm that the fifth LV= Insurance Test between England and India Men due to start today at Emirates Old Trafford, will be cancelled,” the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said in a statement on Friday.

“Due to fears of a further increase in the number of COVID cases inside the camp, India are unable to field a team,” it added.

The ruling comes only a few days after Shastri, among others, tested positive for coronavirus after the touring party attended a book launch in London last week.

Following that public event, aside from Shastri, bowling coach Bharat Arun and fielding coach R Sridhar also returned positive tests while team physio Nitin Patel has been kept in isolation.

While Kohli didn’t contract the disease, fans who were eagerly awaiting the last clash in a series where the tourists were 2-1 up, directed their anger and displeasure over the cancellation of the Manchester Test towards coach and skipper for their “irresponsible” outing for the book launch event.