Defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) cricketer Jayant Yadav admitted living in a bio-bubble is a huge challenge. However, given the COVID-19 pandemic, the off-spinner isn't oblivious to the fact that the protocols are necessary for the safe conduct of the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in UAE, starting September 19.
Jayant, who has played Test cricket for India, is currently training hard for the tournament that runs till November 10 at venues in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
Read Also: Vijay Dahiya praises Ricky Ponting’s method of preparing fast bowlers ahead of IPL 13
Teams reached the Middle East weeks in advance in order to adhere to the necessary quarantine regulations and also have enough time to practise and prepare after an extended break.
For players like Jayant, this means living with restrictions in abnormal circumstances for the best part of three months.
"It was a new feeling to have, with time I think that feeling persisted and you just got used to it. As sportspeople, you are used to having a rush of training or going to the field. So I think more than the skill part, I miss the camaraderie of coming to the dressing room or the team bus or talking to someone about cricket," he said in a video posted by the official Twitter handle of Mumbai Indians.
"Personally I think we were very lucky that we had a camp in Mumbai and we were acclimatised to the new conditions. The protocols that are there for everyone's safety are pretty hectic."
"Every morning, you have to wake up and fill a checker of your temperature and everything. If you have come to a team room, you have to maintain social distance, wear a mask, have your fob by your side so if something unforeseen happens people can track it."
Jayant, though, is equally excited for the start of IPL 2020. "Now we can be relaxed because of the inculcation of these protocols initially and I think our management did a great job. We are very happy that cricket is finally happening, we are happy that IPL is happening," he said.
"So it is our responsibility and prerogative as players to adhere to all the things that our management or IPL demands from us so that we can have a good and safe IPL."
Mumbai Indians have taken the bio-security measures to the next level by the introduction of a special 'smart ring'.
"The ring is a personal health tracking device to be worn by every member of the team present in Abu Dhabi for the 13th edition of the IPL," noted ANI in a report. There is also "an attempt to mitigate the silent spread of the virus by flagging potential onset symptoms".
"They (MI) also unveiled a massive 15,000 sq ft Team Room -- a recreational center with players, families, staff seen enjoying multiple game zones, live band. In addition, the team has also created its own 10,000 sq ft gymnasium -- away from the hotel gym for 24x7 exclusive use of the MI family."
Mumbai Indians will take on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL 2020 opener in Abu Dhabi.
(Inputs from ANI)
