IPL 2021: CSK airlifts Balaji and Hussey to Chennai
With its headquarters in Chennai, the CSK team management believes that they will be able to provide better health care facilities in Chennai.
Published : May 06, 2021 13:39 IST
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) management flew in bowling coach L. Balaji and batting consultant Michael Hussey - who tested positive for COVID-19 - from Delhi to Chennai in air ambulances.
With the league postponed, most franchises have sent their players back to their respective homes, but Hussey and Balaji will have to isolate for at least a couple of weeks.
With its headquarters in Chennai, the CSK team management believes that they will be able to provide better health care facilities in Chennai.
"We are bringing them to Chennai because we have access to all the facilities there. They are fine now but in case the need arises, we can get better facilities in Chennai so we are bringing them here," CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan told Sportstar .
The two reached Chennai on Thursday late afternoon in two separate air ambulances. It has been learnt that while Balaji had a positive report, Hussey's second RT-PCR test came negative.
While most players had already left the bubble earlier, captain MS Dhoni left on Thursday. "He (Dhoni) said he will leave after everyone leaves the bubble. All the players exited the bubble today," Viswanathan said.
While Hussey will have to be in isolation, it is expected that he will have to fly out of India via Maldives once he recovers.
The Australian government has banned direct flights from India till May 15, forcing the Australian players to travel home via Maldives. "We will discuss that later depending on the situation. For now, our priority is his health and safety," the CSK official said. The West Indies players are expected to fly out on Friday morning.
The tournament was postponed after multiple players and support staff - including Balaji and Hussey - tested positive for the virus.