Delhi Capitals batsman Ajinkya Rahane has on Saturday (August 2) opened up about the prospects of playing at the empty stadiums and living in a bio-security bubble in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 to be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from September 19.
In order to combat the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, the cricket matches are been played behind closed doors while the players are instructed to live in a bio-security bubble before and after the matches and IPL 2020 will be also held at the same scenario.
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With the IPL 2020 most probably held at the empty stadiums, Rahane said the players will miss their fans at the stadiums during the matches but was confident that they will enjoy watching them on TV.
Rahane told India Today on the latest episode of Inspiration: “We will definitely miss our fans. Fans are everything to us. When they come out and support us in the stadiums, it feels really good, inspires us to do well. Again, you got to think about their health and safety as well. We will miss them at the stadium. We are going to play for them, for our fans. I am sure they will enjoy watching us on TV.”
On living at the bio-secure bubble, India’s Test vice-captain said: “Talking about the bubble, it's important, we follow all the protocols. We were actually not sure when we were in New Zealand in Feb-March as to what is going to happen next.”
He further added, “But now in August and September, we are in a situation where we should be realistic and be disciplined. I don't think it will take too much time to adjust. It's just a matter of 2-3 days being with the team to get used to the rules.”
Rahane signed off by saying, “I think, following the protocols and being focussed and disciplined will be really important, going forward at least for the next 7-8 months. IPL is happening, sadly because of the Covid-19 situation, it's happening in Dubai. But you got to be happy for other people as well.”
(With India Today Inputs)