Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is likely to play the IPL 2020 opener against the defending champions Mumbai Indians on 19th September after their players test negative of the coronavirus on Thursday.
It was a huge blow for CSK after their player Deepak Chahar and Rituraj Gaekwad had tested positive of the infectious virus after landing in the UAE. According to BCCI’s SOP, the team had to extend the quarantine further for 14-days. The spread of the infectious virus in CSK camp had also threatened the hosting of the tournament. However, things were calmed down soon after the players tested negative in the first Test last week.
Although CSK might not get enough practice sessions ahead of the first game, they are ready to take up the challenge to play the tournament opener according to a report in the Times of India.
“It’s not a problem at all. We will be happy to play game 1st if we are asked to,” a CSK source said.
As per tradition, the defending champion and runner up or either two popular franchises of the tournament play the series opener. After CSK’s availability was in doubt, speculations were there that RCB might play the first match of the much-awaited tournament against MI.
IPL Franchise demanding for warm-up matches
Earlier, it was also reported that the majority of the franchises want a warm-up game before the tournament opener on September 19.
“Having some competitive warm-up games will be good for tournament,” a leading franchise executive has told TOI. Another franchise CEO has also expressed his “100 percent support to the idea of warm-ups.”
Meanwhile, CSK is expected to start its training camp from the 4th or 5th of September. They would be the last franchise to start their practice session in the UAE. Moreover, the franchise will play this season without their batting mainstay Suresh Raina who returned to India after landing in the UAE citing personal reasons.