IPL 2020: Where it went wrong for CSK despite following several health protocols and guidelines?

International cricket marked its resumption after five long months of COVID-19 hiatus, and the new normal started getting in place. It was back when England took against West Indies in the month of July, the cricket field breathed again. People hung on to the edge of their seats, and players started getting accustomed to the new norms.

The bio-secure bubble was in place, utmost safety and health protocols were on the table, and each step was taken ahead with several rounds of planning. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has been the centre of appreciation all over the world for having successfully conducted series with three nations so far. West Indies were the first one to play with the English country, followed by Ireland and Pakistan.

Even Australia is set to travel to England for a bilateral series. Now, hitting the nail on the head, let’s see what actually went wrong with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ahead of much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 despite innumerable safety measures.

During the second round of regular testing within contingents, at least 12 members of CSK tested COVID-19 positive, including Deepak Chahar and Ruturaj Gaikwad. It came as a severe blow for the team.

Incidents where CSK lost control

Firstly, CSK was the only franchise to conduct a preparatory camp at their home ground in Chennai despite BCCI showing concerns over it time and again. The Super Kings are now under the cosh for showing a casual attitude in the time of the pandemic. Players could’ve contracted the virus during the camp at the Chepauk.

Secondly, big names like Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, and Rishabh Pant arrived at the airport with their PPE kits on. On the other hand, members of CSK posed for a group selfie without even masks, and the Yellow Army, seemingly, breached the social-distancing norm. Even when pacer Chahar was pointed out by his younger brother for the same, he replied that they don’t wear masks with family.

Especially after his positive reports, the comment made by Chahar has been doing rounds on the internet. Having said that, the team has been praying for the speedy recovery of the pacer. But it was expected from a leader like MS Dhoni to have taken some strict calls while following the COVID-19 safety guidelines along with his team.