The upcoming IPL 2022 is barely 12 days away, but the defending champions, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), are still awaiting an update about the fitness of their core players, batter Ruturaj Gaikwad and bowling Deepak Chahar.
While Ruturaj had sustained a wrist injury to his right hand, Chahar had suffered a hamstring tear during the white-ball series against the West Indies at home last month.
Ruturaj might be available for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) from the first game, but Chahar is reportedly out of action for a minimum of six to eight weeks to recover from a hamstring tear.
The star pacer is highly likely to miss the first few matches of the upcoming IPL 2022, starting on March 26 in Mumbai.
Meanwhile, CSK players have gathered in Surat and are having a camp at the Lalbhai Contractor Stadium, whereas Chennai team management is still awaiting the fitness updates of their key players, Ruturaj and Deepak, for the upcoming IPL 15.
CSK CEO Kashi Vishwanathan said of Ruturaj and Deepak’s availability: “We are not aware of their current fitness status and won't be able to tell you when they would join the squad. Obviously, the BCCI has told us that once they are match-fit, they would intimate us. They are at the NCA currently.”
Notably, all the Indian players need to be at the NCA and get the clearance certificate after appearing in various fitness tests once the rehabilitation program is complete to be able to take the field again.
(With PTI Inputs)
