XtraTime Web Desk: Indian Premier League season 13 returns in the UAE as Chennai Super Kings captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni won the toss in the season opener against defending champions Mumbai Indians and elected to bowl first. This year’s IPL is very much different as it is being played outside India due to COVID-19 pandemic. Not only that but there will be no spectators, no cheerleaders inside the ground. The captains won’t even shake hands after the toss as well.
It is MS Dhoni’s return to cricket post his international retirement, this is the first time that the former India skipper has taken the field after 2019 World Cup semifinal. While talking in the middle, Dhoni revealed the reason why he has decided to field first.” Late evening you get dew. Also to keep wicket in good condition they water it, so it tends to be tacky at the start,” said Dhoni.
All the teams had to undergo six-day quarantine after reaching the UAE, but all the CSK players was in quarantine for two weeks after two of their players Deepak Chahar & Ruturaj Gaikwad was found COVID-19 positive. Dhoni applauded all the players for not getting disappointed or frustrated.” Have the liberty during lockdown to spend time on yourself to keep fit. Have to applaud every member of the squad. First six days in quarantine is very difficult. Felt each individual used that time well and nobody was disappointed or frustrated,” added Dhoni.
Dhoni also looked very happy with the practice facilities in Dubai which was provided to them after 14 days quarantine.”The practice facilities were very good. After the first 14 days it was nice to get out. Being a gentleman’s game you don’t think about revenge (against MI),” concluded Dhoni.
More to follow..