"Handling Coronavirus more challenging than bowling last over of T20 World Cup" - Joginder Sharma 

Joginder is involved in smoothly reinforcing the nationwide lockdown amid COVID-19 pandemic.

Joginder is posted as Deputy superintendent Of Police in Haryana's Hisar | Twitter/JoginderJoginder Sharma immortalised himself in the memories of Indian cricket fans by delivering a successful last over of the inaugural T20 World Cup. But almost 13 years since, the former pacer is fighting a much tougher battle, reinforcing the 21-day lockdown amid the COVID-19 pandemic as Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in Haryana in a real-world hero avatar. 

Joginder's exploits against Pakistan veteran Misbah Ul Haq helped Mahendra Singh Dhoni's youngistaan reign supreme in South Africa and earned him a job with Haryana Police. 

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The 36-year-old played first-class cricket for his state until 2016 before joining the force full time and bagging promotion to his current post. 

In an interview with Times of India, Joginder informed of all the work he is doing these days to ensure the nation continues to fight the strenuous battle against the deadly outbreak. 

"I would say handling Coronavirus is more challenging than bowling the last over of the World Cup (T20 World Cup 2007)," he said. "Kyunki iss bimari se logo ki jaan jaa rahi hai, aur hume unki jaan bachaani hai (Because people are losing their lives because of this and we have to protect them)."

"I am trying really hard to make my area a Corona-free area and if I manage to do that till it fully diminishes, that will be a victory for me. This is a huge challenge."

Recently even the ICC acknowledged Joginder's efforts. 

"I am currently posted in Hisar and I don’t see much disobedience here," he added. "There are some types of people whom I have to deal with every day. I brief them rather than ordering or scolding them."

"This is very important to make a person aware. He should know what are the harmful effects of a deadly disease like this. These are people who neither watch television nor read newspapers." 

"So, it is important to make them aware of what is happening around the world. Some youngsters who try to break the rules, we also register cases against them."

He has also been very active over social media in urging people to practise social distancing and take all other necessary precautionary measures in order to keep themselves safe. 

"The best way to combat Coronavirus is to stay at home and maintain social distancing," said Joginder, who played 4 ODIs and 4 T20Is for India. "Let's pledge that we will get rid of this virus as soon as possible. Government can spread knowledge and offer you a helping hand, but people should know what they have to do. They have to understand why the government and our Prime Minister Narendra Modi are addressing the country and telling people to stay at home."

"If you are standing in queue somewhere then maintain a distance of at least 2 metres, cover your face with the mask and don’t touch anyone and any surface. After that they should do proper hand wash."

(Inputs from TOI)

 
 

By Kashish Chadha - 30 Mar, 2020

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