India Head Coach Ravi Shastri Denies Book Launch Led To Positive Covid Test

India head coach Ravi Shastri insisted he had "absolutely no regrets" over his attendance at a London launch of his new book cited as a possible source for a positive coronavirus test that took place before the team cut short their tour of England

India head coach Ravi Shastri insisted he had "absolutely no regrets" over his attendance at a London launch of his new book cited as a possible source for a positive coronavirus test that took place before the team cut short their tour of England, as he signalled his intention to stand down after the upcoming T20 World Cup. With India 2-1 up, this month's fifth and deciding Test against England was dramatically cancelledjust over two hours before the scheduled start in Manchester because of Covid-19 concerns in the tourists' camp.

A reported positive test by assistant physiotherapist Yogesh Parmar, appeared to be the last straw for an India squad already without Shastri, and two other backroom staff, who had all previously contracted the virus.

Former India all-rounder Shastri was criticised after it emerged he had launched his book at a well-attended party in London where no masks were worn, two days before the fourth Test at the Oval.

Four days after the launch, Shastri tested positive for Covid and had to go into isolation while the match was being played.

Shastri was widely criticised in England for his conduct but the 59-year-old, in an interview with the Guardian newspaper, published online on Friday, said: "There were about 250 people there and no-one got Covid from that party.