After kicking off IPL in the best possible way, CSK’s Ambati Rayudu sustained a minor niggle in his hamstring because of which the player was absent from the game against Rajasthan Royals. Reports say that the player is likely to miss out on the upcoming game too against the Delhi Capitals on Friday.
Dwayne Bravo too has yet not been featured in either of the games for Chennai and is told to begin his season with CSK’s fourth game against Sunrisers Hyderabad on October 2. Rayudu who was completely shunned by the Indian selectors got huge praise and support from the fans as he ye again proved his qualities and intent with a match-winning 71 in the IPL opener against Mumbai Indians.
Dhoni was asked about Rayudu’s exclusion during the Rajasthan game too and captain cool said that the player was not 100% fit. Rayudu was instructed to rest and miss two games as a precautionary measure as his presence in the latter half of the tournament is very crucial for CSK. Bravo arrived injured from the CPL itself but is reported to have recovered.
The team management though still feels that Bravo needs ample rest before he enters the high-profile IPL games and also because of the fact that Sam Curran who is his ideal replacement has done really well in the two games he’s been a part of.
The Super Kings are the only team to contest in three games in the opening week of the IPL. Things have been quite shaky for CSK from the start as everything began with 13 members of their contingent testing positive for COVID-19, including two players. However, all is in the past and everyone is fit and healthy to do their designated roles for the team.
Not to forget the three-time champions CSK are also without their two-most senior players after their skipper, Suresh Raina and Harbhajan Singh, who both opted out due to personal reasons.
As far as other injuries are concerned, Sunrisers also suffered a blow as their in-form all-rounder Mitchell Marsh sustained a severe ankle injury and his anguish made everyone feel that a comeback is very unlikely. Confirmed by the franchise itself, West Indian Jason Holder has been called as a replacement for the Australian and will carry on as an SRH player for the entire tournament.
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