Indian Premier League (IPL) giants Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) preparatory campaign for the thirteenth edition has already suffered its first blow, with the non-availability of their key overseas players.
The three-time IPL champions might find difficulty in conducting the preparatory camp, ahead of the start of the upcoming edition of the tournament.
According to recent developments from South Africa, Fad du Plessis and Lungi Ngidi are expected to join the CSK squad late in the UAE.
Apart from the two South African internationals, the participation of Dwayne Bravo, Imran Tahir and Mitchell Santner, in the camp remains doubtful, due to their Caribbean Premier League (CPL) commitments. The eighth edition of the CPL begins from August 18 and will be played until September 10.
Moreover, head coach Stephen Fleming, Michael Hussey and all-rounder Shane Watson shall be present in the preparatory camp in the UAE, around August 22.
Elsewhere, the Australian and English contingent in the IPL will only be able to join their respective troops after mid-September due to international commitments.
The initial fitness camp will be held at Chepauk in the presence of 15 Indian players.
The fitness and preparatory camp is all set to begin at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on August 15.
Meanwhile, fast bowling coach Lakshmipathy Balaji has suggested that the squad will be looking forward to picking up from where they left off in March.
“But each player will have their own different routines and formula to prepare for the tournament. The idea is to give them enough space and freedom to understand their body and find their rhythm before coming together as a group,” Balaji told Times of India.
IPL 2020 will be the first time fans will witness the Indian cricketing stars in action, post prolonged COVID-19 hiatus. All eyes will be on CSK talisman MS Dhoni and his return to competitive cricket.
