IPL 2021: Chennai Super Kings invite two Sri Lankan bowlers to take part in training ahead of the season

All eyes will be on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the upcoming IPL 2021 as the three-time champions look to bounce back after their horrific display in IPL 2020. Nothing much went CSK’s way in last year’s competition as they struggled throughout. Even before the start of the tournament in the UAE, they suffered some big setbacks after Suresh Raina and Harbhajan Singh pulled out of IPL 2020.

Not only that, CSK’s preparation was also affected after some of the members of their squad tested positive for COVID-19. In the wake of those big setbacks, CSK struggled on the field and failed to make it to the playoffs for the first time in the history of IPL. The MS Dhoni-led side somehow managed to avoid a last-place finish and eventually ended the tournament at the seventh spot.

In 14 games, they managed to win just six. CSK know what it takes to bounce back and will be desperate to turn things around this year. Ahead of the new season, they have made some new additions to their squad. In last month’s auction, the Chennai-based outfit bought the likes of K Gowtham, Moeen Ali and Cheteshwar Pujara to bolster their squad. They have also retained Raina for the forthcoming season.

CSK invite two Sri Lankan bowlers

With an eye on turning things around in IPL 2021, CSK have already started their preparation in Chennai this week. Apart from skipper Dhoni, several other key players including Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ambati Rayudu were seen at the nets. The likes of N Jagadeesan, R Sai Kishore, C Hari Nishaanth, and Harishankar Reddy were present at the training too according to reports.

Not only that, CSK have also invited two Sri Lankan bowlers to prepare well for IPL 2021. The IPL giants have called-up young bowlers Maheesh Theekshana and Matheesha Pathirana to train alongside the main squad. According to Sri Lankan news outlet NewsWire, 20-year old Theekshana and 18-year old Pathirana have been included as reserve players and not main players in the CSK squad.

The report further stated that both the cricketers have requested No Objection certificates from the Sri Lanka Cricket to participate in the training session. Meanwhile, IPL 2021 is scheduled to start on April 9 with a clash between champions Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore. CSK, on the other hand, will open their campaign on April 10. The final is scheduled to take place on May 30.