CSK Chahar ready to play IPLopener

Chennai Super Kings pacer Deepak Chahar has inched closer towards playing the IPL-13 opener after clearing BCCI’s medical tests on Friday.

Returning from a 14-day quarantine, Chahar had to undergo a cardiac screening before resuming training on Friday.

K. S. Viswanathan, chief executive officer of CSK, expects Chahar to be available for the opener against Mumbai Indians on September 19.

“He is fit and ready. It’s a big relief for us, but the support staff will continue to assess his progress in the nets. I think he will be fit for the first match. That’s what we are expecting,” said Viswanathan.

“Players’ health is of paramount importance to us. We will not fast-track or force anyone into playing. Captain Dhoni will never do that,” added Viswanathan.

SIX-DAY QUARANTINE FOR CPL PLAYERS

Meanwhile, West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo, South African leg-spinner Imran Tahir and New Zealand left-arm spinner

Mitchell Santner will land in the UAE on September 12.

Viswanathan said the trio will undergo a six-day quarantine and be eligible to play the first match. “Their availability is subject to Covid-19 test results. The entire squad is scheduled to be tested on September 14 and 18. We will travel to Abu Dhabi for the first match on the morning of September 19,” he added.

KINGS ARE NOT KEEN ON MIDSEASON TRANSFERS

In just a week’s time, the 13th edition of the tournament begins in Abu Dhabi, but CSK haven’t announced replacements for Suresh Raina and Harbhajan Singh who pulled out of the league.

“We can get replacements whenever we want. Maybe Dhoni feels there is no pressing need to do so now,” said Viswanathan.

This season, IPL franchises can loan players — capped or uncapped — between teams at the halfway point.

But Viswanathan ruled out the possibility of a midseason transfer.

“We are not looking at that possibility,” he further said.