The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have been dealt a big blow as 11 of their staff members and two players were found COVID-19 positive ahead of the start of the IPL 2020 in the UAE from September 19 onwards.
Fast bowler Deepak Chahar and batsman Ruturaj Gaikwad tested positive for the Coronavirus and were put in self-isolation away from other members of the team. Apart from this, Suresh Raina, their vice-captain has flown back to India for personal reasons and will miss the entire IPL 13 season.
The entire CSK contingent’s quarantine has been extended by another 7 days and this means they might not get enough time to practice in the middle, given that all the other franchises have already started their net sessions and other outdoor activities.
BCCI President was spotted at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata, shooting for a promotional film and the Times of India caught up with the former India captain and asked him for a comment on the situation with the Chennai Super Kings.
“I cannot comment on the situation of Chennai Super Kings,” he said.
“We’ll 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. 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,” Ganguly added.
Ganguly also spoke about adjusting to the unlock mode as the restrictions during the lockdown were further eased in the latest Unlock 4 notification.
“I have started working, and have a regular schedule. This is the time we must take precautions 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 said.
Sourav said on MS Dhoni’s retirement, “He is a remarkable player. What he achieved for India is fantastic. But everybody has to give up someday. What he had done for Indian cricket is outstanding.”
