Deepak Chahar was one of the two players from the Chennai Super Kings playing squad to test positive for COVID-19. It was not more than a week ago that the pacer tested negative and was declared fit to return to training. The good news for CSK is that Chahar has picked up on loss time very well and is said to already be in contention for Chennai’s opening game against Mumbai.
The bowler is said to have re-established his rhythm back and as per the CEO Kasi Viswanathan, the 28-year-old is set to feature in the opener of this edition’s IPL against the defending champions Mumbai. While conversing with TOI from Dubai on Tuesday, Viswanathan said, “We are very happy with how he has progressed. He is bowling well at the nets and looks to be in good shape. We are confident that he will be fit and ready for our first game.”
Talking in-depth of how Chahar gained his strength and courage, Chahar also stated a final call is yet to be made and only time will tell how things turn out. Ruturaj Gaikwad who was the second player to fell victim to the coronavirus just a day after Chahar is still in isolation.
The youngster is yet to test positive and thus it is certain that the player will not be a part of the opening game for the three-time champions. Ruturaj had impressed Mahendra Singh Dhoni in particular and was looked upon as a fixed and long-term Suresh Raina replacement in the tournament but now he will out of action for a while.
Viswanathan also spoke about the strict BCCI protocols and how Gaikwad has to officially test negative even though the player is asymptomatic. CSK have confirmed that they won’t rush into things and make a decision that could prove costly later on.
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