IPL 2020: Josh Hazlewood struggles to focus on England series after CSK COVID-19 fiasco

Ahead of Australia's tour of England, which will consist of three T20is and three one-day internationals, Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood recently said that he is a bit concerned about the outbreak of coronavirus at the Chennai Super Kings training camp in Dubai. The 29-year-old was picked up by the MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings for his base price of ₹2 crores for the 2020 edition of the league.

He also said that his focus at the moment was on the national side's tour of England and that he would make a decision regarding the IPL closer to the start of the series. He was also confident about travelling to England, saying any kinks in their COVID-19 protocols must have been ironed out by now, as England have hosted both West Indies and Pakistan without any incidents as of now. 

Also Read | Suresh Raina Exits IPL 2020: How Much Did CSK's Premier Batsman Earn Each Year?

Chennai Super Kings' COVID-19 woes continue

Despite stringent social distancing requirements and continuous testing, 13 CSK personnel, including two players, i.e. Deepak Chahar and Ruturaj Gaekwad tested positive for the coronavirus and have been isolated. The affected have been isolated and will have to undergo a mandatory 14-day long quarantine period and return two negative COVID-19 tests in order to be allowed back into the bio bubble. 

IPL 2020: 1 Indian Player, Multiple CSK Staff Members Test Positive For COVID-19

Raina's exit from the side

To make matters worse, senior player and vice-captain Suresh Raina has also left the side amidst speculations of a rift with senior management. After a tweet from the CSK Twitter handle stating that Raina would not be participating in the IPL this year due to personal reasons, reports have surfaced that the veteran batsman may have left the side due to dissatisfaction over his hotel room and the conditions surrounding this year's IPL. Initial reports had pinned his departure on the growing number of COVID-19 cases in the team. 

Also Read |  IPL 2020: According to a recent report by Outlook India, Suresh Raina chose to skip IPL 2020 due to a rift between him and CSK skipper MS Dhoni

Josh Hazlewood's IPL history

Josh Hazlewood was first picked up the Mumbai Indians for their squad in 2014 but did not play. He was retained for the 2015 season as well but pulled out due to a heavy summer schedule. He was replaced by Colin Munro. 

Hazlewood could follow fellow Australian pacer Kane Richardson in missing out on the IPL. Richardson, who was expected to play for RCB, is expecting his first child back in Australia and as a result, he has been replaced by another Australian, leg-spinner Adam Zampa.

Also Read | MS Dhoni's Text Convinced CSK CEO To Hold Training Camp In Chennai Ahead Of IPL 2020

Image Source: AP