Another CSK player tested positive for coronavirus on Saturday.© BCCI / IPL
A second Chennai Super Kings (CSK) player tested positive for COVID-19 even as off-roader Suresh Raina withdrew from the Indian Premier League (IPL) citing “personal reasons.” The player in question is a top-notch right-handed hitter, who has been a part of India A’s teams in the recent past and is a prolific performer on the Ranji Trophy. On Friday, a pacemaker specializing in T20 had tested positive along with at least 10 contingent members in Dubai. While Raina is expected to release a statement later in the day, sources close to the franchise said that one of the biggest draws at IPL desperately needs some downtime to be with his young family right now.
The 33-year-old had retired from international cricket earlier this month.
“Suresh Raina has returned to India for personal reasons and will not be available for the remainder of the IPL season. Chennai Super Kings offers full support to Suresh and his family during this time,” tweeted statement from CSK CEO K Viswanathan.
CSK’s quarantine period in Dubai has already been extended until September 1.
“The absence of Suresh will be a great blow for CSK and, moreover, he is one of the biggest attractions of the IPL. But in these times, if a player does not feel 100% and has other urgent priorities, any team respects him. “. and CSK is no different, “a senior IPL official familiar with developments at the CSK camp told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
While it could not be officially confirmed, it was speculated that a family tragedy coupled with an increase in COVID-19 cases in the team could have upset the former Indian southpaw who retired on August 15 alongside his patron Mahendra Singh Dhoni. .
While it is understood that the tournament is not under threat as of now, a franchise that is becoming a “COVID-19 hotspot” is slowly becoming a problem for other teams as well as the BCCI.
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“If there are 13 cases of a single franchise, then it is a sure problem for everyone. The most important aspect will be whether foreign cricketers will now start to panic as they are more sensitive to these issues,” said an official.
“We need to monitor the mental health of the players,” he added.
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