Even though Cricket South Africa has allowed IPL-bound players to leave after the second ODI on April 4, it was learnt that Ngidi will have to complete a week’s quarantine before joining the CSK squad after landing in Mumbai on April 5.
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“Ngidi will not be available for the first match. We can’t have bubble-to-bubble transfer for a player coming from abroad even if he arrives by a chartered flight,” a CSK source said.
It will mean that Delhi too will be without the services of Kagiso Rabada and Andre Nortje, two of their most influential fast bowlers who helped them reach their maiden IPL final last season.
Retired South African leg-spinner Imran Tahir will be joining the squad on Thursday and left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner is expected to land in Mumbai on Friday following the conclusion of New Zealand’s T20 series against Bangladesh on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings (CSK)’s new recruit Moeen Ali was all praise for captain MS Dhoni. According to the English allrounder, Dhoni’s ability to take pressure off players helps them to improve their game as well as play with freedom.
“It’s important to have strong leadership and coaches who stay calm, who take the pressure off the players as much as they can and are consistent. We are very lucky we have that. I’ve spoken to players who have played under MS and they tell me how he improves their game. I believe a great captain does that. I think it’s something on every player’s wish list to play under MS. I think it’s the confidence and the clarity he gives people. It’s exciting,” Ali was quoted as saying by the CSK website.
Ali has already joined the CSK camp, which is currently underway in Mumbai, along with his English teammate Sam Curran. CSK play their first five matches of this edition’s IPL in Mumbai, starting with a game against Delhi Capitals on April 10.