Josh Hazlewood is open for CSK for remainder of tournament
The Chennai Super Kings on Saturday confirmed the availability of Josh Hazelwood for the remainder of the 2021 Indian Premier League (IPL) season.
The Australian fast bowler did not take part in the earlier part of the season, which was suspended in May due to Covid-19 concerns.
Josh Hazelwood had cited personal reasons for pulling out of IPL 2021. In his absence, CSK roped in left-arm pacer Jason Behrendorff from Australia. However, he did not play a single game for the 3-time champions in IPL 2021.
Confirming the availability of Hazelwood, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan said the Australia pacer is a welcome addition to the team for the UAE leg, starting September 19. CSK resume their campaign against defending champions Mumbai Indians in Dubai.
“Hazlewood has confirmed his availability for the second phase of IPL starting from September 19. The BCCI has confirmed that players who were not available in the first phase can join the respective teams in the second phase if they are fit and available. Considering Hazlewood’s form, he will be a great addition to our team,” Ksi Viswanathan said in a statement.
Hazelwood played only 3 matches for CSK after being bought for Rs 2 crore at the IPL 2020 auction. Hazelwood has been in fine form for Australia. He picked up 8 wickets in 4 matches for Australia against Bangladesh in a recently-concluded T20I series. Hazelwood is also part of the T20 World Cup squad for Australia.
Notably, Chennai Super Kings were among the first teams to begin training in the UAE for the remainder of IPL 2021. MS Dhobi led a group of Indian players to Dubai where the team has been training. The likes of Suresh Rain, Robin Uthappa, Karn Sharma and Deepak Chahar are part of the training group.
CSK were at the 2nd spot of the 8-team IPL 2021 points table with 7 wins in 10 matches before the season was suspended. With a strong all-round unit at their disposal, the Chennai-based franchise will look to make a mark and reach the play-offs in the UAE.
