Delhi Capitals (DC) head coach Ricky Ponting spoke on the huge surge in COVID-19 cases in India. Ponting said the situation outside the IPL bio-secure bubble is bleak and he keeps asking his boys about their families and closed ones.
"This IPL, probably more than any other, has become more about what's happening on the outside than what's happening here. We right now are probably the safest people in the country being in the bubbles that we are in," Ponting said in a video posted on Delhi Capitals' Twitter handle.
"Continuously, I'm asking the boys at breakfast every day how's everything going on the outside, how's family, is your family safe? Is family happy?", he further said.
India saw a record high with 3,52,991 fresh Coronavirus cases and 2,812 deaths on Monday (April 26). Ponting is aware of the situation outside the bubble.
"And look I think that's a really important thing and we talk here at the Delhi Capitals about being one big family. It is really important. We are thinking about the extended family, not just us, but we've got to be talking about what's happening outside because it is quite grim," he said.
The players are away from their families and it does take a toll on their mental health. They must be worried about their loved ones and Ponting understands it very well.
"Yes, it is hard for the players to be away from their families. I can't imagine, even if I put myself in this situation, guys that live in Chennai are actually home now, but can't see their families. It must be incredibly difficult," he said.
"So the more we can share these experiences, the better off we are. The people that aren't from India, we can be talking to the locals about what they are going through.
"We will just keep our fingers crossed. And hope people remain safe. That's a big thing for me, the players are taking the best care of their families where they can from the outside. And we look after what we can do here," he added.
Ponting is also seeing the positive side of the tournament and feels IPL can bring joy to the people in this tough time in the country. "Even with the country being in a situation that it is, I think cricket can still bring a lot of joy to people.
"So it is important for us to be doing what we can as cricketers and as coaches and as a franchise to putting on the best show as possible to give the people something that they'd like to see," he said.
DC spinner R Ashwin has already left the IPL season as he wants to be with his family members who are currently battling the virus. He posted a tweet after the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad to let his fans know.
"I would be taking a break from this year's IPL from tomorrow. My family and extended family are putting up a fight against #COVID19 and I want to support them during these tough times. I expect to return to play if things go in the right direction. Thank you @DelhiCapitals," tweeted Ashwin.
(With ANI Inputs)
