Chennai Super Kings have had a torrid time ever since they landed in the UAE for IPL 2020. Two of their senior players Harbhajan Singh and Suresh Raina have opted out from the IPL due to p[ersonal reasons.
To add to that, 13 members of their squad including Deepak Chahar and Ruturaj Gaikwad tested COVID positive. While Chahar has returned fit and started training, Gaikwad will undergo two more tests and might miss the first few games of the season.
All this has made former Indian all-rounder concerned about CSK’s chances this season. He feels that MS Dhoni is heavily dependent on Chahar, which is why he will have to maintain his fitness in IPL 2020.
“As far as Chahar is concerned, I know Dhoni depends on him a lot to start with the new ball or bowls him upfront, but when you have not played cricket for as long as all these players have, plus he has had this extra quarantine because of turning positive might have less preparation time,” Ajit Agarkar said on the latest episode of Star Sports’ Cricket Connected chat show.
Also Read: IPL 2020: CSK’s Ruturaj Gaikwad To Undergo Two More Tests As 11 Return COVID Negative
Hope Chahar Works on His Fitness- Agarkar
The former Indian all-rounder further hoped that the young pacer will get back his fitness and work on his skills as well ahead of CSK’s campaign opener next Saturday (September 19).
Chahar was the find of IPL 2018, giving CSK fabulous starts under the guidance of MS Dhoni. Dhoni made Chahar bowl mostly inside the powerplay with the bowler’s prowess to swing the ball both ways.
“But hopefully, the fitness levels are there, it’s about getting the skills right and getting some sort of bowling into your legs while they have some practice games, he’s probably going to be ready.”
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Chahwas was the find of IPL 2018, which paved his entry into the Indian side. However, since his debut, he has been prone to injuries. In December last year, Chahar coped up with a back injury, a stress fracture which is why he was ruled out till April this year. With Harbhajan missing, a lot will depend on Chahar and how he bowls for CSK at the start.
