Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) CEO Satish Menon on Friday (August 14) rubbished the news reports of batsman Karun Nair contracting the novel Coronavirus.
Terming the news as ‘absurd’, Menon further added that Nair is absolutely fine and is training back in Bengaluru ahead of the team’s departure to the UAE for the 13th edition of Indian Premier League, starting September 19.
“This is absurd, there is no truth in these reports. He had some mild fever, that’s all. Nothing to do with coronavirus. He’s perfectly alright and has started training. All our boys have started their training in their respective cities,” Menon told TOI.
The KXIP CEO also spoke about the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that will be put in place from now till the IPL 2020 concludes and the importance of adhering to it.
“The team management is very particular about all the social distancing guidelines and SOPs given by the BCCI. We are making sure there is no compromise on any of that. In fact, the management will educate each player individually about the risks involved and the importance of keeping a safe distance from the deadly virus,” he said.
Legendary India spinner Anil Kumble will coach KXIP in the upcoming season. Although the tournament is still more than a month away, Kumble is busy helping the Punjab lads in their individual training programmes and is monitoring their progress.
“Kumble has been very busy monitoring the players’ training and fitness once the dates of the IPL had been announced. Not only the Karnataka players, the head coach is also virtually keeping an eye on youngsters like Ishan Porel, who is training in Kolkata,” Menon remarked.
KXIP will be taking 8 net bowlers to UAE for the training camp. The camp will be based in Dubai and all the players and support staff would need to go through 6 days of quarantine upon their arrival.
“As of now, we have seven names confirmed, and there is one more name coming up in a couple of days. They will join the rest of the squad in Delhi and Bengaluru, before we fly out to the UAE on August 20,” Menon revealed.
