Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) batsman Mayank Agarwal said he is just happy knowing the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is on track for an anticipated opening on September 19 and he will have cricket to play.
Agarwal added that the adjustment to bio-security regulations amid COVID-19 pandemic is not that much of an issue in comparison to what's at stake.
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He and other KXIP players arrived in UAE late last month, went into a necessary six-day quarantine phase and were allowed to enter the tournament's bio-secure bubble and train only after returning three negative tests for Coronavirus.
All individuals are having to wear a Bluetooth band which allows for their movements to be tracked. Any breach of the protocols will make that person liable for strict action.
Teams have also taken steps to ensure their players are safe from mental health concerns ahead of and during the course of the tournament, something Agarwal said top-level athletes should be able to tackle.
"Any person who is playing professional sport is mentally tough in many ways. I think most of us would be able to deal with it," he told PTI.
"It is alright if you have to quarantine for six days, 7 days, 10 days as long as you have enough time to prepare for the tournament."
"It is what it is (isolation rule) and I did not find it very challenging," added Agarwal. "You rather be in quarantine and in a bubble and play rather than crib about it and not play. That is how I have been looking at it."
"It has not been too hard. I was training twice a day during those days. Spent sometime opening up the body. KXIP (management) also arranged team bonding stuff online and made sure we did not feel left alone in quarantine."
KXIP skipper KL Rahul and even RCB captain Virat Kohli said they were initially apprehensive on return to nets after an extended break. For Agarwal, however, he said it wasn't as much of a problem, as he realises getting back to match fitness is a gradual process.
"There were no apprehensions as such," he said. "I just did not put high expectations on myself when I went into practice. It was just more about trying to get back to where I left off. I did not look to judge myself in the first three or four net sessions."
Coach Anil Kumble has slowly build-up the intensity of the training sessions, informed Agarwal. "Physically, yes, I am (back to his best) but skill-wise it would take a few more sessions," he said. "It is just about getting your batting rhythm back and things fill start flowing again. It is pretty hot in here also so trying to get accustomed to the climate by training in peak hours."
In Rahul, Kings XI have appointed a new captain this season, hoping that this be the year when they finally lift that coveted trophy. Agarwal said the squad is looking strong and it has a wealth of experience in it to help Rahul, also the team's opener and wicketkeeper, at the task.
"We have a top-quality squad this year. It is going to be a different experience for him (Rahul), leading an IPL franchise for the first time."
"I am very happy that he has got Anil, Chris (Gayle) and Maxi (Glenn Maxwell), a lot of experience in the squad, to help him out in case he needs it," added the right-hander.
