In a boost for the Chennai Super Kings, one of the two Indian players, an international fast pitcher, has made a full recovery from Covid-19 and has regrouped with the team. However, the closer, who is a BCCI-signed player with a Grade C retainer, has yet to begin training. The other player, an uncovered Indian batsman, is believed to be still in quarantine, having begun his period of isolation at a later date.
Nearly a week after landing in the United Arab Emirates, the Super Kings suffered a setback when 13 members, including two players, several backroom staff, and some network pitchers, tested positive for Covid-19. All of these people were immediately transferred to a separate isolation facility.
According to IPL protocols, those who test positive would have to undergo a two-week quarantine followed by two more tests. Once the results of those two tests are negative, the person can rejoin the setup.
“Except for the Indian hitter, who is quarantined, everyone else has come out. The Indian fast pitcher has tested negative twice and has come back,” Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan told ESPNcricinfo. As for the uncapped Indian player, Viswanathan said this individual was still in quarantine, but was “fine with no symptoms.” This player is expected to end his quarantine on September 12.
According to Viswanathan, the Indian fast bowler needs to undergo more fitness tests, including a cardio test, performed by the BCCI medical team before starting training.
The news is a positive development for the Super Kings, who will play the tournament opener against the defending champions Mumbai Indians in Dubai on September 19. The Super Kings have yet to name replacements for Suresh Raina and Harbhajan Singh, who have opted out. editing for “personal reasons”. While Raina returned to India from Dubai having encountered a challenge living in the biosecurity bubble, Singh never joined the Super Kings team in the United Arab Emirates.
.
