India batting great Sachin Tendulkar has contracted the novel coronavirus and has mild symptoms, as infections continued to surge in the world's second-most populated country.
Tendulkar, who will turn 48 next month, retired from the professional game in 2013, after notching a still-unmatched 100 international centuries in a prolific 24-year career.
He returned to the crease recently as captain of India Legends team in a promotional event called the Road Safety World Series atRaipur, in the state of Chhattisgarh.
"I have been testing myself and taking all the recommended precautions to ensure COVID is kept at bay," Tendulkar has tweeted. "However, I have tested positive today, following mild symptoms.
"All others at home have tested negative. I have quarantined myself at home and I am following all the necessary protocols, as advised by my doctors."
On Saturday, India reported 62,258 new infections - its highest since October - taking its tally to 11.91 million. The death toll rose by 291 to stand at 161,240.
Tendulkar lives in Mumbai, the capital of the western Indian state of Maharashtra, which has been the hardest hit by a resurgence in cases.
Maharashtra has seen infections rising steadily and recorded an all-time high of 36,902 new cases on Friday, with India's commercial capital Mumbai also reporting a high of 5515 cases.
The state government has announced a night curfew from Sunday to stem the spread of the virus, while authorities could also impose local lockdowns in some districts, after informing people in advance.
Other high-profile athletes to contract COVID-19 include Formula One ace Lewis Hamilton, world golf No.1 Dustin Johnson, world tennis No.1 Novak Djokovic, football star Cristiano Ronaldo and NBA basketball star Kevin Durant.
Reuters
