Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Australian all-rounder Daniel Sams on Wednesday tested positive for Covid-19 ahead of the IPL starting on April 9 here. But opener Devdutt Padikkal has recovered from the dreaded infection to join the side.

RCB will take on defending champions Mumbai Indians in the opener on Friday.

According to a statement issued by RCB, the 28-year-old all-rounder arrived in India on April 3 and had a negative Covid-19 test report at that time. “His (Sams’) report from the 2nd test on 7th April came positive. Sams is currently asymptomatic and he is currently in isolation at a designated medical facility,” the RCB tweeted.

“Royal Challengers Bangalore medical team is in constant touch with Daniel Sams and will continue to monitor his health and abide by the BCCI protocols.”

Sams was traded to the RCB this season from Delhi Capitals. He became the second RCB player to test positive after the left-handed Padikkal.

Padikkal, however, came out negative in the latest round of testing. The 20-year-old had been in home quarantine since March 22 after being infected.

“Devdutt Padikkal has joined the team on 7th April 2021 with negative reports as per BCCI protocols. RCB medical team was in constant touch with Devdutt to ensure his safety and well-being,” the franchise stated.