Chennai Super Kings players crestfallen

On Wednesday, all the IPL matches, which were scheduled to be held in Chennai, were moved out of the state in the wake of the ongoing protest against the Centre’s negligence for the formation of Cauvery Management Board (CMB). Later , the IPL Governing Council confirmed that CSK’s IPL matches would now be played at the Maharashtra Cricket Association›s (MCA) Stadium in Pune. 

Taking to Twitter, CSK batting coach Michael Hussey said that although he is quite sad with the decision, he is hoping for a peaceful and swift resolution to the ongoing issue. “Very sad that we have to play our remaining home games away from Chennai. Feeling for the players and the fans but also hoping for a peaceful and swift resolution to the current problems. Thanks for the incredible support of all the CSK fans,” Hussey said.

Echoing similar views, Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, said that he hopes the situation get resolved soon and matches comes back to Chennai as the fans have waited for two long years to see the team play in front of them. 

Harbhajan tweeted, “Heart breaking news..no more IPL games in Chennai.. fans have waited two years for CSK to play in front of them at home..hope all the issues get solved soon and matches comes back to Chennai soon...Thank u for your love, wishes, prayers would be needed all the time.” CSK chief coach Stephen Fleming also took to his Twitter account and expressed his sorrow over the move to shift the IPL matches from Chennai to some other venue. 

In a major blow to Chennai Super Kings, experienced batsman Suresh Raina has been ruled out of the franchise’s next two Indian Premier League matches due to a calf injury. The 31-year-old sustained the injury during CSK’s happy homecoming, where the home franchise went on to clinch a five-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders in the last-over thriller on Tuesday. Raina needed medical attention on Tuesday after completing a single against Sunil Narine in the 10th over of the chase.