Chennai Super Kings have gotten off to a rocky start in their preparations for IPL 2020 as the team had to stay in quarantine for longer after several members of their contingent tested positive for Covid-19, including two players. The tests of the rest of the players and squad have been negative and the ‘yellow brigade’ has begun to train for the tournament.
The MS Dhoni team will face old rivals the Mumbai Indians in the first tournament on September 19 and preparations are underway to get the players fit for the contest. CSK posted a video of a chat with hitting coach and former team starting hitter Michael Hussey, who has been working closely with the team.
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Hussey said he’s happy with the way the players approach practice and is surprised to see them perform as he thought the players will be rusty from the long break.
Walkie Talkie with Huss! 🦁💛#WhistlePodu @ mhussey393 @russcsk pic.twitter.com/cAndjXQO7A
– Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) September 9, 2020
“Well obviously a bit of a risky start, we had to quarantine ourselves for a bit longer, but now we’re on the right track. With all the negative tests and we are training now and the guys look really good even after a long break. They are getting rid of all the rust, they look in good shape. So, I’m excited.
“I am really impressed with the guys. The way they have approached their training has been excellent. Very enthusiastic. I was hoping they were all a little more rusty than they are. The guys are in good shape, so let’s cross our fingers, we can take that form to the field, ”Hussey said when asked about preparations.
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With all the Covid-19 cases in the camp, the interviewer asked the former Australian cricketer if he gets nervous during testing.
“No, I’m pretty sure. We have adhered to the rules. And because we have followed the rules very closely, we have a strong bubble around us and I think we are well protected. I guess I’m always a bit nervous, but now I’m pretty confident. We have an excellent structure around us and if we stick to the rules then we will be absolutely fine, ”said the former left-handed hitter.
It is going to be a great challenge for all the players and the support staff. It’s something we’ve never experienced before, so we’ll have to adapt. That’s where CSK has a bit of an advantage. We have very experienced players who understand their own game and understand themselves as people better than young people.
When asked about the importance of the mental aspect of the game, Hussey said: “We have to take care of each other, we have to help each other and make sure that we can do it mentally. The mental side of things will be very important. Not just in the game, but also when dealing with isolation and in the hotel and off the field. ”
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