Ahead of the 2022 IPL season, the Chennai Super Kings are set to train for 20 days at the Lalbhai Contractor Stadium in Surat, starting from March 2. The stadium has hosted several Ranji, Irani, Duleep Trophy matches in the past and is owned by the Surat District Cricket Association (SDCA).
Talking to TOI, Cricket secretary of SDCA, Nainesh Desai, revealed that the Men in Yellow have selected Surat because the pitches in the ground have the same soil as Mumbai. A total of 55 out of 70 league matches of the upcoming season will be played in Mumbai, and hence this decision of CSK can be a masterstroke.
“Top cricketing stars like MS Dhoni, Dwayne Bravo, Ravindra Jadeja, and other national and international stars will be part of the practice camp. The cricket franchise selected Surat as we have developed pitches using the same soil as it is in Mumbai.”, Desai said.
Strict bio-bubble rules to be followed during the CSK training camp
To ensure that the cricketers do not come into contact with any outsider, a comprehensive security setup has been put in place. All the players will have to follow strict bio-bubble protocols.
“The players and associated staff will be strictly following the bio-bubble rules and the same are applicable for the stadium administration. It is a matter of pride for the city that we got a practice camp for a team that has international cricketing stars. Due to the bio-bubble, no spectators will be allowed at the stadium and we expect that people of Surat will support us in maintaining the players infection free.”, stated Hemant Contractor, the president of SDCA.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the four-time IPL champions, are in Group B in IPL 2022, with SRH, RCB, PBKS, and GT.
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