IPL 2020: Harbhajan Singh won’t travel with CSK squad to UAE

Harbhajan Singh, the veteran Indian cricketer, won’t be travelling to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) squad on Friday, August 21 for the 2020 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The 40-year-old tweaker has already missed CSK’s five-day training camp at the Chepauk along with fast bowler Shardul Thakur and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja.

As far as not flying to the UAE is concerned, Harbhajan, reportedly, told that his mother is unwell and he can’t travel. However, it’s also been learned that the Jalandhar-born is likely to join the Yellow Army in two weeks. Meanwhile, Thakur joined the squad on Wednesday, August 19 even as Jadeja is expected to arrive in the city on Thursday, August 20.

Harbhajan Singh yet to play cricket since IPL 2019 final

Harbhajan hasn’t played any form of cricket since the 2019 IPL final against the Mumbai Indians (MI) in Hyderabad where the Super Kings lost by one run. Though in that game, he couldn’t get a wicket, he remains to be a vital cog in their setup ever since he joined the team back in 2018.

In the meantime, as per reports, CSK skipper MS Dhoni seemed to be happy with the pitches prepared by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) for CSK’s training sessions. Two pitches- red soil and clay- were put forth for the preparations. The training camp is set to end on Thursday.

“The red soil is a typical Chepauk wicket which has a bit of turn while the clay wicket is a little greenish suited for pacers. Dhoni was really impressed with the wickets,” a source was quoted as saying in The Times of India (TOI).

Prior to the IPL, CSK must be a relieved bunch as all their players have been tested negative for the COVID-19 virus. It also happened to be the second round of tests before departing for the UAE. Dhoni also underwent a test at his residence in Ranchi.

The 2020 IPL is scheduled to start on September 19 with Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah being the venues. The tournament will be a 53-day affair with the final to take place on November 10.