Chennai Super Kings pacer Deepak Chahar started training from Friday, after receiving the necessary clearance from the BCCI following his recovery from COVID-19.
Chahar, who entered the team's bio-bubble on Wednesday after returning two negative tests, had to undergo a cardio vascular test as per BCCI protocol before he could hit the nets.
"He will start training from today. He has got necessary clearance from BCCI. The team is training hard and in good shape. We are looking forward to our first game," CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan told PTI.
Last year's runners-up CSK face defending champions Mumbai Indians in the tournament-opener on September 19.
Another player, a batsman, who was tested positive shortly after team's arrival in Dubai, will be tested on Saturday.
CSK were the last team to start training after 13 members of their contingent tested positive. Another setback was Suresh Raina and Harbhajan Singh pulling out of the tournament due to personal reasons.
"We will miss our senior players but at the same time, it is an opportunity for others to stand up and prove themselves. We are confident of doing the job well with what we have," he added.
Meanwhile, speaking on Star Sports show ‘Cricket Connected’, former India pacer Ajit Agarkar feels that while CSK already have enough spinners, Chahar's preparation time could be a worry.
"Well, we have seen when they went to the auction, they already had enough spin. You've seen in Chennai when they play, they rely so much on spin because of the conditions. Harbhajan Singh, obviously, that kind of experience, quality that you lose, it is going to be a loss, but I think CSK have a lot more cover in that department at least as far as spin is concerned.
"They have got Piyush Chawla as well that they have brought in. This year they have got Imran Tahir, Mitchell Santner, so they have got enough spin and they will be hoping that the conditions are in their favour what they get in Chennai, which is a little bit of turn, then those spinners come into play," he pointed.
Commenting on Chahar, Agarkar said: "As far as Chahar is concerned, I know Dhoni depends on him a lot to start with the new ball or bowls him upfront, but when you have not played cricket for as long as all these players have, plus he has had this extra quarantine because of turning positive, might have less preparation time.
"But hopefully, the fitness levels are there, it's about getting the skills right and getting some sort of bowling into your legs while they have some practice games, he's probably going to be ready."
