IPL 2021: Setback for CSK as Faf du Plessis, Sam Curran doubtful for MI clash

The 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League 2021 will resume with a mouthwatering clash between defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on September 19. The ‘Men in Yellow’ looked a team on a mission in the first leg, after a disappointing previous season, and won five of their seven games before the tournament was postponed in May due to COVID-19. The MS Dhoni-led side will be looking to pick up from where they left and make a winning start. However, ahead of the match, they have been dealt with two major blows. As per reports, ace batter Faf du Plessis and all-rounder Sam Curran are doubtful for the first match.

Du Plessis has been in fine form of late and scored a brilliant 60 ball 120 for Sr. Lucia Kings against St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots in the CPL 2021. However, he missed the last few games for his side due to a groin injury. He was  CSK’s highest run-getter with 320 runs in seven games in the first leg. Meanwhile, Sam Curran landed in UAE on 15th September. He will have to serve six days in isolation as mandated by the BCCI for players who were part of the England-India Test series. His six-day quarantine ends on September 20, which effectively rules him out of the MI clash, unless BCCI give some special relaxation to the southpaw.

Faf du Plessis, Imran Tahir and Dwayne Bravo are expected to arrive in UAE on September 16. However, unlike players coming from the UK, they will not be required to serve the mandatory quarantine as they are coming directly from the CPL bio-bubble.

Coming to Mumbai Indians, the Rohit Sharma-led side are currently placed fourth with four wins in seven games.