MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings likely to be the first team to travel to UAE for IPL 2020

The much-awaited IPL 2020 is all set to hit the floors in September amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The T20 extravaganza, which was initially slated to commence from March 29th, had to be postponed in the wake of coronavirus outbreak. However, with the T20 World Cup 2020 being pushed further, the Indian board is eager to unfold the cash-rich league this year.

The IPL Governing Council is planning to meet in a week’s time and prepare the IPL 2020 roadmap. With a surge in COVID-19 cases across India, the BCCI is now on an overdrive to stage the league in the UAE this year. Though it’s not been officially announced, the IPL is expected to begin on September 19 in the Middle East country.

Ahead of the start of the tournament, most players will have to hit the nets for being match-ready, especially after staying away from the sport for months due to the pandemic. MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings is expected to be the first team to travel to the UAE before the commencement of IPL 2020, according to a report in Gulf News.

While most teams are expected to reach UAE by August 20, CSK could head there in the second week of August to adapt the conditions and get in rhythm before the start of the tournament.

Fans are eagerly waiting to see MS Dhoni back in action

One of the most successful IPL teams, CSK had already kick-started their preparations early in March this year by organizing a training camp. The camp featured many stalwarts including skipper MS Dhoni and vice-captain Suresh Raina. However, to their disappointment, the IPL was suspended in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic.

At a time when the sporting scenario in India is at a halt, some players have been training outdoors individually as well. Raina, who has been quite active on social media amid the pandemic, has shared many clips while training in the nets with the likes of Piyush Chawla and Rishabh Pant.

One of the main attractions of the IPL 2020 will be the return of MS Dhoni. The veteran, who hasn’t braced the field since India’s 2019 World Cup oust, is set to mark his return to the sport. Dhoni’s followers on Twitter had gone berserk after IPL chairman Brijesh Patel had confirmed the commencement of the much-awaited tournament.

However, the organisers are still waiting for the government’s approval before making any official announcement. CSK were the runners-up last season, having lost to Mumbai Indians in a thrilling final. The Yellow Army has lifted the trophy thrice in 2010, 2011 and 2018.