Mumbai Indians (MI) fast-bowler Nathan Coulter-Nile has insisted that he feels safe in India amid the terrifying surge in COVID-19 cases across the country and is planning to stay with his team for the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL 2021).
While many Australian cricketers including Adam Zampa (RCB), Kane Richardson (RCB), and Andrew Tye (RR) have opted out of the ongoing IPL 2021, Nathan Coulter-Nile is confident of staying in the bio-secure bubble for the ongoing lucrative T20 league in India.
The Australian speedster insisted that all the “protocols and measures” are being followed to keep everyone safe in ongoing IPL 2021 while expressing his surprise at his national teammates going home.
As reported by cricket.com.au, Coulter-Nile said: “We have a rapid response test in the morning ahead of another test later in the day, and then one at night as well. And that's for everyone -- players, staff, the people who do laundry, cleaners, everyone.”
The pacer further added, “In terms of testing, they are pretty onto it. I'm as confident (in the bubble) as you can be. All the protocols and measures are in place, I can't think of anything more we could be doing. As long as everyone follows them -- that's the hardest bit, there are a lot of moving parts -- but if everyone does the right thing, we should be fine.”
On the exit of fellow Australian players Zampa, Tye, and Richardson from the IPL 14, Coulter-Nile said: “Everyone's got their own opinions on it and different situations for them. I was surprised to see AJ go home, and then Zamps and Richo, but when you speak to them, you definitely understand where they're coming from.”
Coulter-Nile further revealed, “I spoke to Zamps a little while ago and he made a very compelling argument for going home. But for me, I feel like it's safer for me to stay in the bubble than try and get home at the moment. Especially with all the Australian and New Zealand players in the same boat as me at the moment, I feel like something's got to give for getting home.”
He signed off, “I'm just going to wait and see how that plays out. Worst comes to worst, we'll have to quarantine in Dubai for a couple of weeks before we can fly home. But I'm sure it will get sorted.”
Noteworthy, the COVID-19 outbreak has gripped India with the country reporting more than 3,00,000 new cases every day for the last week.
(With ANI Inputs)
