IPL 2020: MS Dhoni & Co. Finally Hit The Nets After Clearing Additional Round Of Covid-19 Testing
Updated - 05 Sep 2020, 12:47 AM
Skipper MS Dhoni and all other Chennai Super Kings (CSK) players, except Ruturaj Gaikwad and Deepak Chahar, finally hits the nets on Friday after clearing a third round of testing for the virus in Dubai.
While all the other teams started their preparations for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) last week, CSK had to extend their mandatory six-day quarantine after 13 of their members including two players – Chahar and Gaikwad – tested positive for COVID-19.
The coronavirus-free players returned negative in the additional round of testing on Thursday, clearing their way to start training.
“All others, apart from the 13, tested negative for the third time. Those who tested positive will only be tested after the isolation period (two weeks) is over,” CSK CEO KS Viswanathan had said.
"Machi, today what exam da?" ?#WhistlePodu #TheNewNormal pic.twitter.com/MnMQmJvDpJ
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) September 4, 2020
Our Lion King's all set for Day 1… with a smile that fuels broken hearts! ?? #WhistlePodu #HomeSweetDen pic.twitter.com/6ZeScH9n79
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) September 4, 2020
Deepak and Ruturaj, along with 11 staff members of the contingent, will be tested twice by the end of next week when their 14-day isolation period gets over. They need to return with two negative tests before being allowed to train.
The start of the training would definitely boost the morale in the CSK camp after the recent turn of events. Apart from their members being tested positive, they have also lost the services of their two senior players. Suresh Raina and Harbhajan Singh have pulled out of the entire tournament citing personal reasons. While Raina opted out last week, Harbhajan announced his withdrawal on Friday.
The IPL is due to start on September 19 and will be played in Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi. With CSK finally resuming training, they can play the tournament-opener against defending champions Mumbai Indians. The BCCI is yet to announce the full schedule.
