SRH opener Travis Head tests positive for Covid-19, delays IPL 2025 return says coach Daniel Vettori

SRH opener Travis Head tests positive for Covid-19 delays IPL 2025 return, says coach Daniel Vettori (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) star opener Travis Head is set to miss the IPL 2025 (Indian Premier League) clash on Monday. Notably, SRH, who have already been eliminated from the tournament, were hoping to finish the remainder of their campaign on a winning note. That being said, they will go up against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on May 19.

For those unaware, the IPL was halted due to the war situation between India and Pakistan in recent times. After a week’s break, teams are back to gearing up for the cricket action, including the upcoming knockout phase of the event. Ahead of the much-awaited clash in Lucknow, SRH head coach Daniel Vettori shared some crucial updates for his side.

In major news, Vettori revealed that Travis Head has contracted COVID-19. As a result, Head will now arrive in India by Monday morning. Upon his arrival, he will be checked and assessed by Hyderabad’s medical staff. However, it remains unclear when the explosive Australian batter contracted the infection. Consequently, his return to the country was delayed as a precaution.

“Travis is coming in tomorrow morning; he was delayed. He actually had COVID, so he couldn’t travel. He’ll get in tomorrow morning, and we’ll assess how he is after that,” Vettori said during the pre-match press conference on Sunday.

Head and Cummins available for remainder of IPL 2025

Meanwhile, Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Pat Cummins and Head left for Australia after the cash-rich league was suspended for a week. Following their departure, it was unclear whether the duo would return to India to complete their commitments for the pending IPL 2025 season. Notably, Cummins is set to lead the Australian team in the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa on 11 June in England. Hence, it was speculated that the pair might not return and would prefer to prepare for the mega ICC (International Cricket Council) event.

However, amid this news, SRH confirmed their availability for the remainder of the IPL season. Besides, the Hyderabad-based franchise are already out of contention for the playoffs and will play their last match of IPL 2025 on May 25. As of now, SRH have three matches left to play in the league. Apart from LSG, they will also face Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Quite contrastingly, Sunrisers Hyderabad will be looking to avoid finishing at the bottom of the IPL points table, while Lucknow Super Giants will aim to keep their slim playoff chances alive by winning their remaining three games.

Disclaimer: This latest news is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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