HIGHLIGHTS

• MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina led CSK players’ trip from Chennai to Dubai
• CSK players will begin training after their quarantine period in the UAE
• CSK will take on Mumbai Indians in Match 30, which will mark the resumption of IPL 2021 on September 19

Even as Virat Kohli’s Team India is battling out in English conditions in the ongoing Test series, Indian Premier League franchises have begun preparations for the remainder of the IPL 2021 season, scheduled to get underway in the UAE from September 19.

Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings players left for the UAE on Thursday, August 13. While MI shared a photo of talent scout Vinay Kumar leaving for the UAE, their domestic players had been in quarantine in the lead up to the departure.

On the other hand, MS Dhoni is leading Chennai Super Kings players from Chennai to the UAE. CSK will have their training base in Dubai and the team, with the available players, are heading well in advance to make sure the quarantine period is sorted and they have time for training before the resumption of IPL 2021.

MS Dhoni was seen arriving in Chennai earlier this week. The Chennai Super Kings captain was seen at the airport in photos shared by the team on social media. Suresh Raina, Karn Sharma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Deepak Chahar and Ambati Rayudu were some of the others who are leaving with MS Dhoni to the UAE.

All the players, including MS Dhoni, were sporting face masks and PPE kits as they boarded the flight from Chennai for Dubai.

Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians will meet in the 30th match, which marks the resumption of IPL 2021 on September 19. The final of the tournament is set to be played on October 15.

CSK do not have fond memories of the UAE as they finished second last in IPL 2020, their worst season as they missed out on a play-offs berth for the first time. However, Dhoni’s men roared back to form, winning 5 of their first 7 matches in IPL 2021.

Delhi Capitals are on top of the table with 6 wins from 7 matches. IPL 2021 was suspended in May after multiple positive Covid-19 cases were reported in the bio-bubbles of franchises.