IPL 2021: CSK unclear regarding Ravindra Jadeja's availability for the season

The three-time champion Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are eagerly looking forward to making amends in the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and compensate for their torrid run in the 13th edition, hosted in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Super Kings had ended up at the second-last position in the points table in IPL 2020 with 12 points under their belt by winning six games from 14 played.

Ahead of the upcoming edition of the T20 Extravaganza, the MS Dhoni-led side has been dealt with a massive blow as they have no clue over the availability of their star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. Jadeja was struck on the thumb by a lethal delivery from Mitchell Starc during India’s first batting innings in the third Test of the four-match series at Sydney Cricket Ground in Australia.

Jadeja had dislocated his thumb and had to undergo surgery after getting ruled out of the remaining of the Test series against Australia. This was followed by the spinner missing the home England series and undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.

Though the 32-year-old has been training hard at NCA to regain his full fitness, there is no update over his availability for the Indian Premier League. The same was confirmed by CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan as he admitted being unaware of the status of Jadeja’s availability for the start of the IPL 2021.

CSK CEO on Ravindra Jadeja

“We really don’t know when Jadeja is joining us. He has to get released by the National Cricket Academy (NCA),” Viswanathan said as quoted by InsideSport.

CSK to set up their training camp in Mumbai

The Super Kings skipper MS Dhoni along with other team players had started practicing in Chennai for the T20 Championship but the management has decided to shift their camp to Mumbai as they will be playing as many as five games in the financial capital of India. In addition, the team will not be playing any game at their home as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to host the entire league in neutral venues to eliminate the home advantage for any franchise.

“Stephen and Pujara have reached Mumbai along with some other players. We will begin our camp there on March 27-28,” Viswanathan said.