In a blow to Chennai Super Kings ahead of the 2021 Indian Premier League, star Australian bowler Josh Hazlewood announced his withdrawal citing personal reasons. He said he wants to spend time at home with his family.
Hazlewood was set to leave for India along with Australian players for the upcoming IPL, but decided to stay back to take some time off before playing for national side against West Indies and Bangladesh later.
Hazlewood has played just three games for CSK in last year’s IPL which was staged in the UAE due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“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. We’ve got a big winter ahead too. The West Indies is going to be a long tour, with Bangladesh T20 tour potentially thrown on the end of that,” Hazlewood was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.
“Then potentially the T20 World Cup leading into the Ashes, so it’s a big 12 months, as it always is with Australia, and I want to give myself the best chance to be mentally and physically ready for that. That’s the decision I’ve made, and it sits pretty well with me,” he added.
SunRisers Hyderabad also had to deal replace all-rounder Mitchell Marsh when he decided to pull out of this year’s IPL as well. The franchise has brought in Jason Roy to play in his place.
The 2021 IPL will begin on April 9 in Chennai with defending champion Mumbai Indians facing Royal Challengers Bangalore in the opener. Chennai Super Kings will lock horns with Delhi Capital at Wankhede a day after the opening match.
Last year, CSK had a less than memorable outing after the franchise failed to qualify for the playoffs for the first time ever since the beginning of the IPL. The team finished seventh in the eight-team standing.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni has led CSK since the IPL’s inception, winning the title thrice, in 2010, 2011 and 2018.
