RCB had shared a photo of their contingent aboard a flight to the UAE. Despite the mask, Chahal was easily recognisable in that picture as he was occupying one of the front seats.

One big name that was missing from that picture was RCB skipper Virat Kohli. However, by the evening he also announced his arrival in Dubai through a social media post that he captioned: "Hello Dubai!"

RCB's overseas stars like AB de Villiers, Dale Steyn and Chris Morris also joined their teammates in the UAE on Saturday.

As per BCCI's protocols all these players will undergo a seven-day quarantine, and will have to return three negative COVID-19 tests before they can start their training.

Chahal has been one of the key members of RCB's bowling line-up for several years now and has proved his mettle by performing on a tough M Chinnaswamy wicket in Bengaluru.

RCB have never won the IPL, despite reaching the final twice in last 12 editions. They finished rock-bottom in last year's points table, after winning only five league matches out of 14.

With the change in venue and conditions, Kohli and Co. would be hoping to turn around their fortunes up-and get their hands on the IPL trophy for the first time and for that they would want Chahal to lead their spin-attack in some style.