CSK News: Ruturaj Gaikwad was one of the CSK players who test positive for COVID-19 virus along with Deepak Chahar. He has finished off with his 14 days quarantine period and is now asymptomatic as well. However, he will not still be part of the opening match of the IPL 2020 between Mumbai Indians (MI) and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on September 19.
Although he has finished off with his 2 weeks quarantine period, he still has to undergo two rounds of the COVID-19 tests. After coming out negative in both of them, only then he can join the squad. “We are waiting for BCCI to give us clearance on Gaikwad. He has to undergo the fitness tests [as well],” Kasi Viswanathan, Super Kings’ chief executive officer, told ESPNcricinfo.
The CSK CEO revealed that the team will require two more days before getting a clear idea of the date of Gaikwad’s return. According to the BCCI protocols, if an individual within the bio-secure bubble tests positive for COVID-19, then he has to isolate himself for 14 days. Then they have to undergo two tests after the completion of 14 days and come out negative. After the medical tests, they can rejoin the squad. (CSK News)
CSK fast bowler, Deepak Chahar also test positive for COVID-19 along with Gaikwad. He also went through the same process, but his recovery on time. Hence, he will be available for the opening match against the Mumbai Indians.
ALSO READ:
- Scott Styris and Rajasthan Royals get involved in a banter When he predicts RR to finish bottom of the table
- MI vs CSK: Gautam Gambhir Reveals The Favourites For The Opening Clash
Gaikwad showed excellent form in Syed Mushtaq Ali Tournament. He scored 419 runs in 11 innings at an impeccable strike rate of 146.30. He was the second-highest run-scorer in the tournament, just behind Devdutt Padikkal who scored 580 runs in 12 innings. Gaikwad usually bats at the number 3 position for India A. So, he will most probably be the replacement for Suresh Raina at number 3 in the CSK lineup. (CSK News)
CSK is set to play three matches in the first week of IPL 2020 itself. (CSK News)
Viswanathan also stated that BCCi has still not given its verdict regarding the England Australia players, who will return from playing the bilateral series in the UK. They have not said whether the players need to undergo the six days quarantine period. The CSK squad will receive a huge boost from the inclusion of players like the Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood and English all-rounder Sam Curran. Viswanatham also cleared out that the players like Dwayne Bravo and Imran Tahir, who will be arriving from the CPL, will be available for selection in the inaugural match.
The three times IPL Champions will play three matches in the first week of the IPL itself. After facing the Mumbai Indians in the inaugural match on September 19, they will face the Rajasthan Royals (RR) on September 22 and then the Delhi Capitals (DC) on September 25. (CSK News)
