Billy Stanlake
Billy Stanlake (Image Credit: Twitter)

With Australia seamer Josh Hazlewood pulling out of IPL 2021 at the last minute, the Chennai Super Kings have their task cut out in finding his replacement. Josh Hazlewood, who joined Chennai Super Kings last year for INR 2 crores, decided to skip the marquee T20 league this year due to the bio-bubble fatigue. Sources have claimed that even fringe players from some countries have denied participating in IPL this year.

One of the major reasons that players have chosen not to partake in the 14th edition of IPL in India is the second wave of COVID-19 striking India currently. Chennai Super Kings’ contingent has already become a victim of it as one of the officials from its content team tested positive. Moreover, the Super Kings squad are based in Mumbai, which has become an epicentre of the outbreak.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) IPL 2021 Auction
Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Image Credits: Twitter

The three-time champions also underwent the same hurdle the last year in the UAE since as many as 13 contingents tested positive. Furthermore, players Ruturaj Gaikwad and Deepak Chahar also contracted the deadly virus and had to return negative before joining the team. Chennai Super Kings open their IPL campaign on the 11th of April against the Delhi Capitals.

Chennai Super Kings reportedly contacted Billy Stanlake and Reece Topley to join the franchise for IPL 2021:

IPL 2021: Billy Stanlake, Reece Topley Deny Offer To Join CSK As Replacement Player - Reports
Reece Topley celebrates a wicket. (Credits: Twitter)

The yellow army got in touch with Australia and England fast bowlers Billy Stanlake and Reece Topley, respectively. A source claimed that many of them have contracts with the English county teams and not receiving permissions due to the rising COVID-19 cases in India. They are optimistic of getting a replacement enough; however, problems to remain.

“Many of them have contracts with English county teams and the permissions aren’t coming due to the rising number of Covid cases. We may have to go for a wildcard and may get one soon enough. But the problems do persist,” a source claimed as quoted by Times of India.

Also Read: IPL 2021: RCB Opener Devdutt Padikkal Tests Positive For COVID-19