Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batsman Ruturaj Gaikwad, who was was among the two cricketers to test COVID-19 positive, has tested COVID-19 negative. Ever since Chennai landed in the UAE to play IPL 2020, Gaikwad has had a rough patch. He fell prey to the virus when 13 members of CSK’s contingent tested positive.
Gaikwad, along with Deepak Chahar and 11 other members tested for the novel coronavirus. Since then, they remained in self-isolation. After the mandatory quarantine period, all members excluding Ruturaj Gaikwad joined the entire squad.
Ruturaj Gaikwad tests COVID-19 negative
As the Super Kings begin their campaign on September 19 against Mumbai Indians, Ruturaj is yet to recover. Meanwhile, as per reports in Sportstar, after testing negative once, he will have to undergo another round of testing in the next 24 hours.
Only after he gives two negative tests, Gaikwad can come out of his room and join the teammates. He is the only Chennai Super Kings cricketer, who is yet to start training. As per the protocols set by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Gaikwad will also need to pass the fitness test to make his return.
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If reports are to be believed, the procedure will take around two to three days. As a result, Ruturaj Gaikwad might miss the first two games of Chennai. Many saw him as the potential replacement of senior batsman Suresh Raina, who pulled out of the tournament owing to personal reasons.
Gaikwad had an exceedingly good run in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He had amassed 419 runs in 11 innings at a strike rate of 146.30. His tally was only second to Devdutt Padikkal’s 580 runs in 12 innings. Ruturaj Gaikwad has quite a bit of experience, playing as an opener for India A as well as for Maharashtra in the domestic circuit.