The 13th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) will be played in a bio-secure bubble with everybody associated with the tournament undergoing several checks for COVID-19 ever since they left for the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Players and support staff are only shuffling between their team hotels and the cricket stadiums for outdoor practice sessions. Nobody is allowed to break the bubble and travel around due to the virus threat.
Speaking to ANI, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) spinner Yuzvendra Chahal opened up on the same, saying players who are mentally prepared for the bio-secure environment will have an upper hand in the competition.
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"Training and living in the bubble is very different but we are getting to practice and nothing more than that is needed. These are not normal times and even before the positive cases inside the bubble, precautions were of the utmost level," he stated.
When asked about staying in a bio-secure bubble throughout the year during the international assignment, Chahal replied: "Yes, I'm mentally prepared to be in the bubble till the situation all over gets back to normal."
RCB are yet to win an IPL title despite having some of the game’s superstars in their ranks over the years.
Ahead of the IPL 2020, however, Chahal feels they have a balanced squad this time around and it could be a breakthrough season for them.
"We have a very balanced side with some great additions to our team and certainly Aaron Finch's addition gives us more depth in the batting department," Chahal said.
After making his international debut in 2016, Yuzvendra Chahal has established himself as one of India’s leading spinners in the shorter formats. However, he is yet to get a chance in Test cricket.
During the interview, the 30-year-old leg-spinner also expressed his desire to win the World Cup and represent India in the longest format.
"Test cricket is the ultimate challenge for any player. The goal is to win the World Cup for India but my personal goal is representing India in Tests," he said.
The 13th edition of Indian Premier League will be played in the Middle East from September 19 to November 10. The Bangalore-based franchise will open their campaign against SunRisers Hyderabad in Dubai on September 21.
(With ANI inputs)
