IPL 2020 is going to start from September 19, but what transpired in the CSK camp yesterday has left everyone shocked. As many as 12 members of Chennai Super Kings, including fast bowler Deepak Chahar, have tested positive for Coronavirus. As it was not enough already, one more player Ruturaj Gaekwad has tested positive today.
The whole team was in a compulsory quarantine of 6 days before starting their outdoor training. The team had landed in Dubai on August 21. When the team landed in the UAE, Deepak Chahar had posted a photo on his Twitter account where all the players were seen without wearing any mask.
On seeing the photo, Deepak Chahar’s cousin Rahul Chahar, who will represent the Mumbai Indians, asked about face mask and social distancing. The reply from the fast bowler was a bit shocking. The CSK player said that all the players have been tested negative and they don’t wear masks with family.
We don’t wear a mask with family: Deepak Chahar
Rahul Chahar asked as he commented, “Where is your mask bro? Social distancing”?
To which Deepak Chahar replied, “all have been tested negative bro 2 times and we don’t wear a mask with family”.
Just a few days after the tweet, a bowler and 11 support staff members have tested positive and that bowler is none other than Deepak Chahar. This development in the CSK camp means that the quarantine period for the team will increase. This is a double blow for CSK as their reliable batsman Raina has pulled out of the tournament as well, citing personal reasons.
This is something to worry about for the authorities as IPL is not very far now, and the teams need to start training as soon as possible. Going ahead many other players and support staff could be tested positive, if precautionary measures are not taken seriously.
According to the protocols, every person associated with the tournament will be tested upon landing in the UAE. They will be tested on days 1, 3, and 6 of their quarantine time at the team hotel. Once a player is tested negative in all the three tests, they can start training with the team.