As many as 13 members, including two players, testing positive for the dreaded coronavirus was a real body blow for CSK, which is gunning for its fourth IPL crown. Adding to the misery, regulars Suresh Raina and Harbhajan Singh, in recent weeks, pulled out of the event owing to personal reasons. However, going by the chief executive’s words, Super Kings is ready to rise to the challenge, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

 “The CSK fans need not worry about the current situation. We have a skipper who has navigated us through tough times. Thalaivan will definitely take care and we are very confident. We started training on Friday and the players are in good spirits,” Viswanathan addressed the Super Kings supporters in a video posted on social media on Sunday.

 “We are conducting regular Zoom meetings, where coaches – Stephen Fleming, Michael Hussey and Lakshmipathy Balaji – and captain Dhoni are addressing the players. All of them are in a good frame of mind. We will come out of this tough situation. The players are in good shape, and will take care of the IPL matches.” 

Viswanathan, sporting a mask, urged the CSK fans to get behind the franchise in these difficult circumstances. “The Yellow Fever will catch up throughout India and in Dubai, UAE, where we have a very good following. Super Kings fans are very important to the team and we look forward to the support throughout the tournament,” he said.