CSK players test negative for COVID-19, could play opener against MI

The Chennai Super Kings' contingent has tested negative for COVID-19 which has brought relief in the camp, which was left in a fix after 13 of their members including two players (Deepak Chahar and Ruturaj Gaikwad) tested positive for the virus last week. 

This development could pave way for the franchise to play the IPL 2020 opener against Mumbai Indians on September 19.

According to a news in the Times of India paper, CSK officials have been informally notified by the BCCI that they will be playing the inaugural match against Mumbai Indians. 

The BCCI is planning to announce the schedule today (August 4) that got delayed due to the COVID cases. Earlier, there were rumors that Royal Challengers Bangalore could replace Chennai Super Kings in the opening game against reigning champions Mumbai Indians.

However, after the negative reports, the management is ready to go ahead with their original schedule.

"It's not a problem at all. We will be happy to play game one if we are asked to," a CSK source told TOI. 

More importantly, MS Dhoni’s brigade have not begun their training, while the Mumbai players have been practising for the last one week.