IPL 2021: Josh Hazlewood available for UAE leg, confirms CSK CEO

Australia pacer Josh Hazlewood is set to be a part of MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings squad for the second leg of the Indian Premier League’s 2021 edition, which was postponed midway due to a spate of Covid-19 cases emerging inside the bio-secure environment prepared by the BCCI for all franchises.

Hazlewood, who had opted out of the tournament earlier this year citing bio-bubble fatigue, will now be available for his team. “It’s been a long 10 months in bubbles and quarantine at different times, so I decided to have a rest from cricket and spend some time at home and in Australia in the next two months,” Hazlewood had said to cricket.com.au before the start of IPL 2021.

However, now, his availability for the second leg of the tournament has been confirmed by CSK CEO KS Viswanathan. “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,” said Viswanathan.

Hazlewood, who is one of the 15 members of Australia’s T20 World Cup 2021 squad, has been in fine form lately. Although Australia lost both of their recent five-match T20I series against West Indies and Bangladesh 1-4, the 30-year-old pacer delivered with the ball for the team, as he bagged eight wickets in four matches against Bangladesh. In his overall career, Hazlewood has picked 21 wickets in 17 matches.

CSK-MI to kickstart IPL 2021 second leg

CSK and MI touched down in the UAE on August 13 and completed their mandatory six-day hotel quarantine ahead of the second leg of the tournament. The two sides will lock horns on September 19, which will open the proceedings of the second leg.

The remaining 31 games including four playoff fixtures will be played in the emirates across three venues – Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah. At the time of season suspension in May, Delhi Capitals occupied the top spot with 12 points from eight matches, followed by CSK and RCB at positions two and three, both with 10 points in seven games.