Veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh will not travel with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) squad to Dubai on Friday (August 21), claimed a TOI report.
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According to the report, Harbhajan has informed the franchise that his mother is unwell and thus he can't travel. The Turbanator is expected to join the squad in two weeks.
Notably, Harbhajan had already missed out on CSK’s ongoing five-day camp at Chepauk. The brief camp, which focuses primarily on fitness besides some cricket training, will end on August 20.
Report suggests that CSK skipper MS Dhoni, who recently retired from international cricket, was immensely satisfied with the side's preparations at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
Dhoni also seemed to be pleased with the pitches served by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) for preparation.
"The red soil is a typical Chepauk wicket which has a bit of turn while the clay wicket is a little greenish suited for pacers. Dhoni was really impressed with the wickets," a source told TOI.
Meanwhile, the COVID-19 tests of all the CSK players returned negative on Tuesday (August 18). It was the second round of tests held before the squad's impending departure to UAE.
The 13th edition of Indian Premier League will be held in UAE from September 19 to November 10.
(Inputs from TOI)