England-bound Team India advised to take Covishield vaccine: Report

While many franchises had asked for their players to be vaccinated before the start of the 2021 edition of the IPL but was denied by the BCCI and the IPL Governing Council, now that all the players have reached their homes after the suspension of this year's season, the BCCI has asked the players to get themselves vaccinated after the 18-44 years age group was allowed after May 1.

While two players, Shikhar Dhawan and Ajinkya Rahane have already got their first dose of vaccine, the BCCI has asked them to take the Covishield vaccine in particular.

Talking about the vaccination of the players, BCCI president Sourav Ganguly told The Indian Express that since the state governments are getting the vaccination done, the players will have time to do it individually after the postponement of the IPL. "They all go to their respective homes, so it’s an easier option that way,” he said.

However, with the second dose requiring a gap of a minimum of 28 days, the 24 players bound for England will be in the UK as the Team Indian contingent leaves at the start of June. Thus, the players have been asked to get the Covishield vaccine instead of the Covaxin, as the former being a UK-based product will be easily available in the UK. Talking to TOI, a BCCI source said, "It is advised that they take Covishield in India because it is based on the AstraZeneca vaccine, a UK product. They may get the second shot in the UK. Getting a different vaccine [Covaxin] here is of no use.”