The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to unveil the itinerary for the 2021 edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) but preparations for the tournament are all set to get underway soon.
According to the reports, IPL 14 is likely to kick-off by the second week of April and the camps for all 8 franchises are expected to start in about a week’s time.
As for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the franchise is planning to organise a camp from March 11 with a handful of players, including skipper MS Dhoni.
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While many players will be busy with their international assignments, retired stars such as Dhoni, Suresh Raina and a few others are likely to hit the ground running from the very first day of the preparatory camp.
“Yes, we are expecting all players to start coming in batches. Captain MS Dhoni will be available and attending the camp from day one. Players availability should not be an issue. We are very hopeful that the camp will successfully begin and we will strictly follow the same bio-bubble protocol and no additional measures are required to be taken at this stage. We have put in place stringent health and safety protocols for the camp and all the participants will follow mandatory testing,” a franchise official confirmed to Inside Sport.
After a camp at Chepauk, 13 members of the CSK squad were tested COVID-19 positive last season. As a result, their practice session in UAE had started a week later because of the prolonged quarantine period.
The franchise, however, won’t be repeating the same mistake this time around.
“Last year it was unfortunate and we have learnt our lesson. This year we hope and pray nothing like that happens but as of now, we don’t see any reason why additional measures should be taken. We trust our contingency and logistical plans.”
CSK had a forgettable IPL 2020 campaign in UAE. Under Dhoni’s captaincy, the Chennai-based franchise failed to qualify for the playoffs for the first time in the tournament history.
However, the three-time champions are looking to make a fresh start and roped in the likes of Moeen Ali, Krishnappa Gowtham, Cheteshwar Pujara, among others at the auction last month.
