Michael Hussey To Remain In Quarantine In Chennai Despite Testing Negative For COVID-19

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batting coach Michael Hussey has tested negative for the COVID-19 virus but is to remain in quarantine in the Chennai hotel, confirmed team CEO, Kasi Viswanathan, to PTI on Friday.

Hussey, along with CSK bowling coach Lakshmipathy Balaji and a bus cleaner had tested positive for the Coronavirus and were airlifted out of Delhi to Chennai, as the Chennai Super Kings cited better connections in the city and proper care for them.

Them, along with four players from various franchises- Varun Chakravarthy and Sandeep Warrier, both Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Amit Mishra of Delhi Capitals (DC), and Wriddhiman Saha of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), had tested positive for COVID-19, which led to the BCCI postponing the IPL 2021 indefinitely.

I’m Resting Well And I’m Feeling Stronger. I’m Hugely Appreciative Of What CSK Have Already Done And Are Doing For Me: Michael Hussey   

The Australian contingent, comprising players, coaches, and commentators, flew to the Maldives on Thursday to serve out the waiting period before they can board a flight back home. Australia has barred travelers from India till May 15, which led to Michael Slater criticizing PM Scott Morrison on Twitter and even said that he had blood on his hands for locking out Australian citizens and threatening them with prison sentences.

Australian media outlets reported that Hussey can join fellow countrymen in the Maldives if he returns another negative test.

“He tested negative before getting on an air ambulance from Delhi to Chennai (on Thursday). He is doing fine. All other overseas personnel have left, head coach Stephen Fleming will be flying out tomorrow,” said Viswanathan.

Hussey said he is indebted to his IPL franchise, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for taking good care of him.

“I’m resting well and I’m feeling stronger. I’m hugely appreciative of what CSK have already done and are doing for me. It’s horrific what’s taking place in India at the moment with the pandemic and I’ve been blessed with the great support I have received. I’m grateful for all the messages of support from cricket fans in India and Australia,” Hussey was quoted as saying by Sydney Morning Herald.

The BCCI is hoping to restart the IPL 2021 in September and has received offers of hosting from the Sri Lanka Cricket Board and multiple English counties as well. BCCI also has the option of shifting the tournament to UAE to complete the remainder of the matches.

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