Australian opening batter and power-hitting sensation, Chris Lynn has arrived in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday (September 8), to join Mumbai Indians squad for the impending Indian Premier League (IPL 2020). The much-awaited cash-rich league will begin on September 19 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after being deferred due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 30-year-old Brisbane-born Lynn had reached Dubai after partaking in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) for St Kitts and Nevis Patriots.
Mumbai Indians camp has a lot of expectations on Chris Lynn during IPL 2020:
Leaving behind his poor run of form on Windies shores, Lynn would be aiming to deliver goods for Mumbai Indians. Recently, he had managed just 138 runs in nine outings as his side was unsuccessful on reaching the semis of the CPL 2020.
After landing in Abu Dubai, Lynn will undergo mandatory six-day quarantine at his dedicated hotel room amid the COVID-19 challenges.
It becomes an important part to consider that Lynn had to return negative on three instances, to join his team for the training before the upcoming edition of the IPL. During the IPL Players’ Auction 2020, Indians picked Lynn at his base price of INR two crore.
The 13th season of the IPL will be played across major cities including Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Recently, the competition was given a green signal by the world’s powerful cricket board – Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after the management was in talks with the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) government.
Mumbai Indians ready as Chris Lynn reaches Abu Dhabi:
Pertinently, earlier this month, Trent Boult and Aussie fast bowler James Pattinson had joined their Mumbai Indians teammates.
Pattinson inked a deal after being signed as a replacement for legendary Lasith Malinga. The Sri Lankan veteran had pulled out of the IPL 13 after citing personal reasons for his unavailability.
“Chris Lynn arrived at Abu Dhabi in the morning today. Trent Boult and James Pattinson had joined the team last week,” Mumbai Indians revealed in its official statement.
After being moved out of the cricket-crazy nation — India, the mega tournament will run until November 10 in the UAE given to the bio-secure bubble environment.
The four-time champions, Mumbai Indians will face three-time champions – Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the tournament opener of the IPL 2020 at Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Chris Lynn, who made IPL debut in 2012 and represented Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), had so far featured in 41 IPL matches. He had amassed 1280 runs at an average of 33.7. The elegant stroke-maker had 10 fifties to his name. It remains to be seen how Chris Lynn will go about the lung-opener.