Chris Woakes plays for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2021.
Delhi Capitals (DC) and England all-rounder Chris Woakes called the players in the ongoing IPL 2021 very lucky to be able to play cricket and entertain the fans in India, which is seeing its worst COVID-19 surge in recent times.
Four players have tested positive and England's Liam Livingstone has left the IPL because of the bio-bubble fatigue.
Games are being played in empty stadiums away from the crisis unfolding outside. The IPL is being hosted in six cities, while India is also scheduled to host the ICC T20 World Cup in October and November.
"It's a shame with the situation at the moment with the people all around the world having to deal with Covid, which isn't ideal. Within the bubble, we are trying to stay positive. We are very lucky that we still get a chance to play cricket and entertain people on the outside,” said Woakes.
IPL's 'Cluster Caravan' format can be used for ICC T20 World Cup 2021 amid COVID-19 surge in India
"Very different times we are all living in at the moment. It's a very different IPL, no fans, bio-secure bubble, so definitely has a different feel to it. To keep busy, I have got two English teammates with me in Sam Billings and Tom Curran. We spend quite a lot of time together,” he added.
Woakes also said he believes playing T20 cricket in Indian conditions is ideal preparation for the World Cup later this year.
He said, "Bowling at some world-class players in India on small grounds, good pitches that can be as hard as it gets for a bowler. Every IPL team is stacked with world-class players, so you are testing yourself against the best players in the world in tough conditions. Obviously (with) the World Cup being here at the end of the year, it's perfect preparation."
Woakes also spoke about playing under Australia legend Ricky Ponting who is the head coach of Delhi Capitals and called the experience ‘surreal’.
"He certainly gave me a few little things to look at with my batting which is great. A couple of things on my backlift which helps me access the ball a little bit easier at the back end of my innings,” Woakes said.
(AFP inputs)