Three-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings have been massively hit by the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic. Two cricketers – Deepak Chahar and Ruturaj Gaikwad and 11 other members of support staffs have tested COVID-19 positive. As a result, they have been forced to remain in quarantine delaying their training.

The Super Kings had planned to begin their training first in the UAE. After completing a six-day quarantine, the management had decided to start training from August 28. But the rise of COVID-19 cases will now mane the last team to hit the grounds to prepare for IPL 2020.

Chennai Super Kings forced to delay training

Incidentally, Chennai had organised a training camp at Chepauk before leaving for UAE. All heavyweight Indian cricketers joined the training from August 16-20 under the watchful eyes of bowling consultant Laxmipathy Balaji.

And now, as per reports in The New Indian Express, the Super Kings will have to remain in quarantine for mandatory six days. Following, they will undergo rounds of testing during this period and can only join after they clear all the tests.

Speaking of the COVID-19 members, they will have to undergo 14 days of quarantine. The contracted person will have to give two negative tests within 14 hours following the quarantine period to join the squad. As a result, reports suggest that BCCI has decided to postpone Chennai Super Kings opening encounter in IPL 2020.

Meanwhile, the COVID-19 fear saw Chennai stalwart Suresh Raina pull out of IPL 2020.  Reports state that Raina departed from the UAE gripped with COVID-19 fear. The cricketer felt homesick in these difficult time with his family including his wife and two children back in India.

CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan has confirmed to TOI that they will not go for any replacement right away. However, they can opt for standby at some stage in the tournament.