MS Dhoni gets tested for COVID-19 ahead of IPL 2020

After a lot of speculations and cancellations, IPL 2020 dates are on cards and authorities aren’t leaving any stone unturned to make it the best and the safest one. Given the COVID-19 guidelines, a lot of measures are already in place, the action is also set to take place behind closed doors for the first time. While the tournament kickstarts from September 19, players are getting tested simultaneously.

CSK skipper MS Dhoni, who hasn’t been part of any format of the game post-2019 World Cup semi-final against New Zealand, is set to mark his comeback. He has been a part of some of the training sessions at his hometown Ranchi to gear up for IPL 2020. Moving up with the COVID19 guideline, captain cool along with CSK teammate Monu Kumar have given samples for the COVID19 on Thursday morning.

As per TOI’s report, a senior official from MicroPraxis labs, part of Gurunanak Hospital and Research center authorized for RT-PCR tests for corona, has confirmed collecting Dhoni’s sample from his residence in Ranchi.

“A team of our lab staff was sent to Dhoni’s farmhouse in Simlaiya area to collect the samples of the two cricketers around 2pm. The samples have been sent for testing and the result will be known on Thursday.”

Both of them will leave for the Chennai camp session after testing negative for the same. CSK army led by Dhoni will fly to UAE on August 22.

Strict testing protocols to follow for IPL 2020

Due to two COVID19 cases in IPL teams, the situation has turned bit out of order but maximum measures are in place to keep the virus at bay. Rajasthan Royal’s fielding coach, Dishant Yagnik tested positive on August 12 and along with him, KXIP batsman, Karun Nair also tested positive for the same. However, Karun Nair has recovered and tested negative.

As per BCCI rules, a player has to be tested negative twice in order to be part of the team, and if anyone who tests positive, shall undergo 14-day complete quarantine before joining the squad. Reaching UAE, more tests will be done following the protocols or biosecure bubbles.

“After arrival in UAE, there will be tests on Day 1, 3 and 6 with testing every fifth day throughout the tournament. After the third negative test, team members may be allowed to meet each other within the Bio-Secure Environment. However, wearing a face mask and social distancing protocols must be followed at all times,” the protocols say.