Chennai Super Kings unlikely to feature in IPL opening game
The 2020 IPL season is yet to begin but Chennai Super Kings have already been dealt with severe blows. The first demoralising update was that of the majority of their support staff and a pace bowler (Deepak Chahar according to various sources) testing positive for coronavirus. It was followed by Suresh Raina pulling out of the IPL due to personal reasons. These concerns have ruled CSK out of the tournament’s opening game.
Although the BCCI has not yet released the official IPL schedule, it was being hinted that Mumbai Indians against Chennai Super Kings will be the first game of the 2020 season. Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma while paying his tribute to MS Dhoni on the occasion of the latter’s retirement had tweeted “See you at the toss on 19th”. This clearly indicated the opening game between CSK and MI. According to Insidesport, the BCCI has decided to change the schedule to give CSK more time to regroup from the ongoing issues in their camp.
One of the most influential man in the history of Indian cricket?His impact in & around cricket was massive. He was a man with vision and a master in knowing how to build a team. Will surely miss him in blue but we have him in yellow.
See you on 19th at the toss @msdhoni ?? pic.twitter.com/kR0Lt1QdhG
— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) August 16, 2020
CSK are now under complete quarantine for the next six days and they will not be able to resume practice until all their players and support staff are tested negative after the completion of the quarantine period. All other IPL teams have started to take the field in the UAE but CSK will need more time to get back in the field.
“They (CSK) will now not be in a position to contest the opening game of the IPL 2020. We will give CSK few more days to come out of the setback,” said one of the BCCI officials to Insidesport.
According to the win percentages, CSK are the most successful side in the IPL whereas MI have won the most titles. The rivalry between these two teams is the highlight of the IPL. Them not playing in the tournament opener will be a dampener for the fans.
