IPL 2020: Ruturaj Gaikwad joins Chennai Super Kings training camp after recovering from Covid-19

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) may have won their opening fixture against Mumbai Indians but it has been a topsy-turvy ride for them since their arrival in the UAE. The MS Dhoni-led side was jolted with three major blows ahead of their IPL 2020 campaign.

CSK were first shaken after multiple members from their contingent, including two players– Deepak Chahar and Ruturaj Gaikwad– tested positive for coronavirus. To make the scenario worse, CSK also saw the withdrawal of two of their most experienced players– Suresh Raina and Harbhajan Singh.

Overcoming all obstacles, the Yellow Army was elated after winning the season-opener against the defending champions. The fixture also witnessed the return of Chahar, who was deemed fit to play after recovering from Covid-19 in time. CSK have now received another positive news as Gaikwad also has recovered and joined the team sessions.

CSK announced the return of Ruturaj Gaikwad on Twitter

The franchise took to Twitter to announce the news of Gaikwad’s return. In the photo shared by CSK, the youngster can be seen padded up with a bat in his hand. Apparently, the picture was clicked during CSK’s practice session on Sunday.

After testing positive for coronavirus, 23-year-old Gaikwad had to remain in isolation for a long period. He underwent two tests last week and remained in isolation after they returned positive. Later in the week, he tested negative for Covid-19 once. Going by the BCCI protocols, he was allowed to join his teammates when he also tested negative for the second time. After clearing the fitness test, Gaikwad ultimately joined the CSK camp and took part in a practice session on Sunday.

Apart from Gaikwad and Chahar, all 13 people who had tested positive from the CSK contingent have now recovered. After Raina’s departure, Gaikwad was tagged as his ideal replacement. However, after an impressive batting display of Ambati Rayudu and Faf du Plessis against MI, Gaikwad might have to wait for his chance in the Playing XI.

There’s a possibility of the Maharashtra lad replacing Murali Vijay if the latter fails to deliver in the next couple of games. Gaikwad, who has 843 runs in 28 T20s, is a regular opener for Maharashtra and India A. He had first joined the franchise for Rs 20 Lakh in IPL 2019 auction.

After starting their IPL 2020 campaign on a winning note, Dhoni and his troops will now face Rajasthan Royals in their second game of the season on September 22. One of the most consistent sides in the history of the league, CSK will be vying for their fourth IPL trophy this year.