In these troublesome times, captain Dinesh Karthik is hopeful Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will be able to bring smiles to their fans back home in India via a title-winning campaign at the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in UAE.
The KKR touring party arrived in Abu Dhabi on Thursday (August 20) night and will now be confined to the team hotel before hopefully giving three COVID-19 negative tests in the first week and being cleared to start training ahead of the IPL 2020, starting September 19.
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"This IPL will be different. What has happened in the world has pained us deeply and it is surely a challenge to play cricket. But we understand that when we play the game, we bring happiness to our fans," Karthik told the KKR website.
"Yes, there will be a bio bubble. Yes, we haven't played or trained extensively for the last few months. Yes, the road ahead may be full of obstacles. But we promise to give it all," he added.
The KKR players will be fighting for supremacy without the fans at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata cheering for them, but the skipper says they'll play keeping the loyal supporters in mind even in the gulf.
"We may not be playing this year at our home Eden Gardens, but it is where our heart is," Karthik said. "As we embark on our journey to the UAE, with slight nervousness and immense enthusiasm, we seek your (fans') blessings."
Left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who will be key to KKR's success, admitted that the lockdown back home had begun taking its toll and he is desperate to play again.
"Initially, it was very tough to adjust when the lockdown was imposed, because we were unable to practice outdoors. But I am completely ready now. In fact, I will be happy if there is a match in the next 7 days! I can't wait to get back in action," said Kuldeep, whose teammate Shubman Gill echoed his sentiments.
"I think we all are really desperate (to play) because for a long time, we were in our houses and we have only been prepping mentally. We all are really excited. I'm very excited to go out there and express myself," said the 20-year-old batting prodigy.
Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Sandeep Warrier, Shivam Mavi and Prasidh Krishna, all important cogs in KKR's wheels, said the three-week training period before the tournament starts will be of utmost importance for them to try and regain their rhythm and be ready.
"It won't be an easy year. Playing cricket after being locked up in the house for over 5 months is going to be quite a different experience," said Krishna.
"The players will have to be inside a bio bubble throughout the tournament which means they can't step out beyond designated zones, nor they can come in touch with outsiders. Even as friends, we have to maintain distance. No hugging, no high fives," he added.
Warrior said, "The last four-five months at home have really taught me how important cricket is for me."
Having missed out on the last two seasons due to multiple injuries, Nagarkoti, who impressed one and all with his pace and hostility at the 2018 U-19 World Cup in New Zealand, is also really excited to make his comeback.
(Inputs from PTI)
