Being runners-up, CSK were most probably set to take on champions Mumbai Indians in the opener although the schedule is yet to be announced. However, with the BCCI confirming that 13 members of the CSK have indeed tested positive for Covid-19, things have gone a bit awry.
“I cannot comment on the situation of CSK. We will see if they can start as per schedule. I hope the IPL will be conducted well. We have a long schedule for the tournament and I sincerely hope everything will go on just fine,” Sourav Ganguly was quoted as telling Times of India.
CSK have not had a great time since arriving in the UAE. Apart from the Covid-19 worries, their senior batsman Suresh Raina has also quit the tournament citing personal reasons. Further, according to reports, Harbhajan Singh, who did not take part in the preparatory camp, is also apprehensive of making it to the tournament.
“Senior spinner Harbhajan Singh who is in India and did not take part in CSK’s preparatory camp in Chennai is worried whether to participate in the tournament or not,” a source close to the player told TOI.
However, Ganguly maintained that everyone will have to live with the reality of the pandemic, and that adjustments need to be made according to the situation.
“The entire world is coping with the crisis. Football and cricket matches are being conducted to empty stadiums globally. We will also have to accept that reality.
“I have started working and do our work. I am not a full-fledged sportsperson anymore – I am half-and-half. I am balancing between family, cricket, BCCI and media work,” he revealed.
--By A Cricket Correspondent
