IPL 2021: Josh Hazlewood pulls out of the Indian Premier League

Chennai Super Kings were dealt with a massive blow when their ace pacer Josh Hazlewood decided to opt out of the Indian Premier League. With the World T20 and Ashes lined up, the Australian speedster wants to keep himself fresh for the mega events. Hazlewood added that he has been part of the bio bubbles for the last 10 months and would like to take some time off the game.

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"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. 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," said Josh Hazlewood.

Hazlewood becomes the third Australian after Josh Philippe and Mitchell March to pull out of the Indian Premier League. The pacer has been in several bio bubbles since July when Australia toured England to play the ODI and T20I series. From there he went to UAE to participate in the Indian Premier League. He returned to Australia and went into isolation before joining the Australian squad for the India series.

Among the other overseas fast bowling options, the 'Men in Yellow' have Lungi Ngidi, Sam Curran and Dwayne Bravo. Chennai will kick start their IPL campaign at the Wankhede Stadium on April 10 against Delhi Capitals.