Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) batsman AB de Villiers has called the ongoing IPL 2020 a special season. He feels it's a privilege for him to entertain the cricket lovers in this tough time. The world is currently suffering mentally and economically because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
De Villiers wrote a column for Hindustan Times and explained how IPL this season is bringing joy in people's life. He understands people are going through health and financial crisis, but IPL is generating light in this dark and sad phase.
"This tournament is being played against the backdrop of a world in crisis - a global health pandemic, economic calamity, despair, and depression in almost every community in every country in every continent.
"Perhaps, in this season of darkness, IPL is providing a burst of light, a moment of excitement, a happy distraction, is a beacon of hope amid the gloom, is raising a smile through the tears.
"Maybe, in these very strange times, this 13th edition of the tournament can be the most important, the most significant IPL of all."
The 36-year-old accepted that it's tough for the players to have no contact with the outside world and stay inside the bubble. But it also allows knowing each other in the squad better.
"Here in the United Arab Emirates, the players, coaches, and staff are living in our respective bubbles. We barely speak to anyone outside our squad - there can be four teams practicing at one venue at the same time and nobody is allowed to mix - so we spend all of our time within our units. We get to know each other better. We talk about our families and our lives.", he wrote in the column.
De Villiers added, "Many, too many of these people may be experiencing severe health and or economic challenges, and it is nothing less than a privilege for us as cricketers to have the opportunity to entertain and excite, to generate some light and joy in what currently seems a dark, sad world.
"This is a unique period in all of our lives, and this is starting to feel like a very special IPL."
The South Africa cricketer was the top performer for his team in the last game against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). He scored 73* off just 33 deliveries and won Man of the Match for his knock.
RCB are looking confident this season with already a good start in the first half of the league. RCB has won 5 out of seven matches and they are among the front runners to qualify for the playoffs.
(WITH HINDUSTAN TIMES INPUTS)
