Deepak Chahar is all set to rejoin his Chennai squad after recovering from the global virus. Ruturaj Gaikwad, who began his isolation period later than Chahar, however, continues to remain quarantined.
After losing the services of Suresh Raina and Harbhajan Singh due to 'personal reasons' before the 2020 Indian T20 League season even started, the positive test result of Chahar and Gaikwad had thrown another wrench into the normally well-oiled machinery of last season's runners-up.
As he is just coming off the infection, before Chahar can begin training, he still has to undergo fitness tests such as a cardio test mandated by the BCCI's medical team.
Deeback Chahar! 🦁💛#WhistlePodu #Yellove pic.twitter.com/muWNCiB2KF
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) September 9, 2020
"Except for the Indian batsman, who is in quarantine, all others have come out. The Indian fast bowler has tested negative twice and is back," team CEO Kasi Viswanathan told ESPNcricinfo.
Chennai's troubles started when, during the mandatory six-day quarantine period following touchdown in the UAE, 13 members, including support staff along with Chahar and Gaikwad, tested positive in the second of three compulsory tests. All 13 were moved to an isolation facility while the rest of the squad had their quarantine period extended and two more tests were added on top of the original three.
The rest of the squad was finally allowed to resume training last Friday (September 4) following negative results in the fifth test.
Chennai is poised to open the tournament on September 19 playing against defending champions Mumbai in Dubai. The team is, however, yet to name replacements for Suresh Raina and Harbhajan Singh.
Feature image courtesy: AFP / Noah Seelam
