IPL 2020: Members of CSK tested positive for COVID-19

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) came to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after they attended the five-day training camp at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, also known as the Chepauk. However, all’s not well in their camp. It has been learned that members of the CSK contingent have been tested positive for the ungodly COVID-19 virus and it’s not going to make things easy for them.

It’s expected to be a massive blow for the Yellow Army going into the tournament, which is scheduled to get underway on Saturday, September 19. The Super Kings, led by MS Dhoni, were supposed to start their training from Friday, August 28 in Dubai. The same has now been postponed to Tuesday, September 1.

Troubles for CSK

As far as the coronavirus cases are concerned, sources confirmed it to The Times of India (TOI), but the names of the player, support staff, and officials weren’t revealed. It was also learned that the CSK members were tested positive after they landed in Dubai. It’s the exact reason why they had to extend their quarantine period for another week.

The CSK team reached Dubai on August 21 after attending the camp in Chennai that also included MS Dhoni, the former Indian cricketer. If reports are to be believed, the whole CSK squad had to undergo its fourth COVID-19 test on Friday itself. Upon reaching the UAE, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) mandated three tests for all the eight teams before getting back to practice.

On Saturday, August 29, the result of the fourth test is likely to be revealed. In the meantime, a source said that CSK had taken all the precautionary measures before reaching Dubai.

“Even when football started in Europe, a few players had tested positive. So, with eight IPL teams and over 1000 members, this was a possibility. This could have happened to any team. It is just unlucky that it has happened to CSK despite taking all kinds of precautions,” the source mentioned.

CSK are the three-time champions of the cash-rich league. Moreover, in the 10 seasons, they have played in, CSK have qualified for the playoffs/semis on every other occasion. The IPL will also mark the return of Dhoni, who retired from international cricket on August 15.