Picture Credit: IPL/BCCI
MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Thursday received a big blow as Australia pace bowler Josh Hazlewood opted out of the upcoming IPL. Josh Hazlewood has decided to give this year’s IPL a skip to keep himself fresh and ready for the Ashes and the T20 World Cup lined up later this year. CSK can name a replacement of Hazlewood at any point of time in the tournament.
Notably on Wednesday, Mitchell Marsh pulled out of Sunsrisers Hyderabad squad for IPL 2021. Earlier, Australian Josh Phillipe pulled out of IPL 2021 citing injury.
"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 told cricket.com.au.
Hazlewood, who was picked up by CSK in IPL 2020 Auction, played three matches for the MS Dhoni-led side in the UAE last year.
CSK to start their IPL 2021 campaign on April 10
CSK will start their IPL 2021 campaign with match against last year's finalist Delhi Capitals. Notably, Delhi Capitals will be led by young Rishabh Pant as shoulder injury ruled out Shreyas Iyer from the tournament. CSK had a season to forget last year as they failed to make it to the playoffs for the first time in tournament history.