Tabraiz Shamsi in awe of India after seeing the crowd in CSK practice match

The Chennai Super Kings are ready to stage a comeback as they finish their 2-year-long ban and start afresh in the second decade of the Indian Premier League (IPL). To cater to the needs of the fan base, the franchise has granted the locals access to the practice session and practice games at Chepauk. In a picture shared by the CSK handle and team manager Russell, the MA Chidambaram stadium looks jam-packed in the practice session of the team.

South African spinner Tabraiz Shamsi took note of that and went on to say, “Wow… just Wow!!!! In most countries, games aren’t even sold out when international teams are playing! Absolutely love the passion people in India have for the game.”

If you are wondering if this a IPL game , hold your breath it’s a practice game, our CHENNAI CROWD IS THE BEST #whistlepodu pic.twitter.com/ljoXXwmUh9

— Russell (@russcsk) April 1, 2018

Here is what he said:

Wow… just Wow!!!!

In most countries games aren't even sold out when international teams are playing!

Absolutely love the passion people in India have for the game ✌@ChennaiIPL #Indian #Passion https://t.co/Qb4KfREywh

— Tabraiz Shamsi (@shamsi90) April 1, 2018

It is important to note that CSK has lost out on spin bowling all-rounder Mitchell Santner due to injury and hasn’t announced a replacement. Could this be Shamsi making use of the opportunity for trying out for the vacant role or is it all in genuine good faith? It is unlikely that the former would happen because the franchise has already clarified that they are not looking for a replacement.

“CSK are unlikely to seek a replacement for the injured Mitchell Santner. The spin-bowling all-rounder was tipped to be part of their plans, but with a good mix of tweakers around, the team management hasn’t requested for a replacement. They are likely to seek one only if the need arises,” said a source to New Indian Express.

Shamsi was part of the Royal Challengers Bangalore but went unsold in the 2018 auction. As far as Santner is concerned, New Zealand cricket informed on Wednesday that the spinner will undergo a knee surgery which meant that he would miss out on the ongoing Test series against England followed by the Indian Premier League. As per reports, Santner could be out of cricketing action for six to nine months.