Amid the novel COVID-19 outbreak, people around the world are rushing back home as governments are closing borders to contain the spread of the virus.
However, former New Zealand coach and Royal Challengers Banglore's director of cricket Mike Hesson is stranded in India as he came to the country earlier this month for some unfinished assignment.
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With India also facing a 21-day lockdown due to the pandemic, Hesson spends his time at a luxurious home in Bengaluru and he is making the most of this spare period.
Speaking to Sportstar, Hesson said he is using this opportunity to get a grip over the new languages.
“I am starting to learn a couple of languages. When you are fully immersed in life, it takes a backseat. I am trying to change myself and trying to learn a little bit of the local languages,” he quoted.
The 45-year-old is no stranger to India. Apart from his coaching stints, he keeps travelling to the country for commentary works.
“When you are in a different country, you try and learn its languages. I am learning Hindi and also a bit of Kannada. It’s a difficult language for sure, but I am trying my best to learn it,” Hesson added.
Being the director of cricket at RCB, Hesson would have been busy now had the IPL 2020 commenced on March 29 – the initial scheduled date. But with the T20 league being postponed at least till April 15, he has a ‘lot of time’ in hand.
“I have been well taken care of by the RCB. I am still working. I am watching some cricket videos, taking down notes and planning for the season and beyond,” Hesson said.
Since he can’t step outside, Mike Hesson also does gym sessions and some other works at home.
“It is very important. I try and cook some meals, that takes a bit of time. Then, I read some books, talk to my girlfriend. That’s how it has been,” he said.
The Dunedin-based coach also makes sure that he talks to his daughter on a daily basis.
“I call them at least twice a day. No doubt, I would have loved being at home with my girls, but that’s not possible, everyone is in a difficult position now.”
When Hesson had arrived in India, things looked quite normal and travel restrictions were not imposed.
“I was pretty busy from my work perspective. Once there was a lockdown here, there was also a lockdown in New Zealand. So, the situation had changed all over the world pretty drastically. Everyone knew what’s going to happen, but at that point of time, there were no flights and also no reason to go home…”
“I would be in isolation anyway. That way, I am safe in Bengaluru and is well looked after. We all are going through a tough and living far away from family at this time is very challenging,” Hesson said.
(Inputs from Sportstar)
