As reported earlier, 13 members of the CSK party, including Chahar and India A batsman Ruturaj Gaikwad, had tested positive for COVID-19 last week. In some relief for the franchise though, all others except the above mentioned 13, have tested negative for Coronavirus.
CSK CEO KS Viswanathan confirmed the same by issuing a statement. "All others, apart from the 13, have tested negative for COVID-19. They will have to undergo another test on Thursday, September 3. We are likely to start training on Friday, September 4," Viswanathan informed from Dubai.
On Chahar and Gaikwad, he added that they will complete their quarantine period before being tested against as per the rules in place. "Deepak and Ruturaj will complete their 14-day quarantine and then join training after two negative tests as per protocol," he added. The same applies to the other members who have tested positive as well.
Apart from the COVID scare, CSK were also dealt a big blow when their talisman Suresh Raina quit the tournament citing personal reasons. A family tragedy struck Raina with his uncle being killed in a brutal attack in Pathankot. CSK have not named any replacement for Raina.
Also, amid rumours of Harbhajan Singh being unsure of taking part in the tournament, a senior CSK official told Times Now, "He was to join the team on 1st September but he has again deferred his arrival. We don’t know when he’s coming or whether he’s coming at all as he has not updated us on his decision. Him pulling out of IPL is all speculation at the moment."
IPL 2020 kicks-off on September 19 in the UAE.
--By A Cricket Correspondent
