|| CF Correspondent ||

While every team is gearing up for the IPL 2020, one of the most successful teams in the tournament – Chennai Super Kings has already got a big blow before starting the mega event. While 13 members of the franchise have been tested positive for COVID-19, their key players - Suresh Raina and Harbhajan Singh has pulled out of the tournament due to personal reasons.

However, former Australia player Dean Jones has revealed that this is a major blow for the franchise. While speaking exclusively on Star Sports show Game Plan, Jones said, “Raina’s absence is a major concern this time and he is in the top 5 run-getters in IPL."

"He is a left-hander and plays spin very well and the weakness for CSK could be that majority of their players are right-handed. They need some left-handers or they could get stuck and particularly if they are playing to leg-spinners and the ball is going away,” he shared.

"So, whether to go with Sam Curran or Jadeja and Bravo or Tahir. Watson and Dhoni haven’t batted for long. Raina and Harbhajan has gone home as well, so it is up to Fleming and Dhoni, how they gel the team together,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, the youngster Ruturaj Gaikwad – who was earlier tested positive for COVID-19 has once again tested positive for the deadly virus and he is currently staying away from the CSK bio-bubble. Earlier, pace bowler Deepak Chahar had also tested positive for the COVID-19, but now his test report came negative and he has already started his practice.