Ruturaj Gaikwad who is touted to be one of the key players for the Chennai Super Kings in the absence of Suresh Raina has tested negative for COVID-19. However, another test awaits the young batsman before he can be available to join the squad. Gaikwad is set to miss the IPL opener against Mumbai Indians on September 19 in Abu Dhabi. According to a Sportstar report, Ruturaj has tested negative for COVID-19 once. He will undergo the same test within 24 hours and has to test negative again.
The India A opener is likely to miss out on a few matches since as per BCCI's protocols, a player has to pass the fitness test as well. The complete procedure is likely to take at least 2-3 days. Gaikwad is expected to be available for selection after two matches. Ruturaj, joined CSK in 2019, and is expected to bat at the vital number three spot. The right-handed batsman has scored 843 runs in 28 T20s and is yet to play a single IPL game. Defending champions take on Chennai Super Kings in the much-awaited tournament opener at Abu Dhabi on September 19. It is expected to be a humdinger as both sides possess big names in their ranks who are proven match-winners. CSK are already facing the heat as Suresh Raina and Harbhajan Singh have decided to skip this year's IPL.
