Murali Vijay likely to miss TNPL-5

CHENNAI: Murali Vijay is a doubtful starter for the fifth edition of

Tamil Nadu Premier League

which kicks off at the

MA Chidambaram Stadium

here from July 19.


The 37-year-old former India opener, who is part of

Ruby Trichy Warriors

, is yet to enter the bio-bubble while the rest of his teammates did so on July 4 and have already begun training for the tournament from July 9.

"Once he enters the bio-bubble he will need to quarantine for a period of 5 days before he can join the rest of the team for training,"

Shyam Kangayan

, CEO and executive director of Trichy Warriors told TOI on Sunday. Trichy will be opening their TNPL-5 campaign against

Nellai Royal Kings

on July 21.

TNCA

officials are however hopeful that Vijay could join in at a later stage in the tournament. "He has a young family and may be reluctant to stay in a bio-bubble for over a month --- the entire duration of the tournament. It is likely that he may join the team at a later date," a TNCA official said. Vijay, who chose to skip the previous domestic season for Tamil Nadu due to personal reasons, last played competitive cricket for the Chennai Super Kings in last year's Indian Premier League that was held in UAE.

The TNPL last year was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The full tournament this year will be hosted by only one ground --- the MA Chidambaram Stadium and will not have any spectators.