Just like everyone in the cricket fraternity, former India batsman VVS Laxman is currently sitting at home in the wake of Coronavirus pandemic, which has claimed more than 108,800 lives and infected over 11,780,700 people globally thus far.
India too has been dented by the COVID-19 outbreak as the country reported in excess of 8000 cases and about 270 deaths as of April 12.
In order to contain the spread of this deadly virus, Indian government had imposed a nationwide lockdown for three weeks on March 24 and Laxman is obeying the guidelines like a truly responsible citizen but he is also making the most of this spare time at home.
Speaking to Sportstar, Laxman revealed that he is trying his hand in table tennis and other indoor sports with his family members.
“It is good to be with the kids in what is obviously the longest break in my career though for an unfortunate reason as the whole world is battling the dreaded Covid-19. As part of the effort to stay busy, we are playing indoor games like table tennis, carrom and chess. It is important to be active especially when you are confined at home,” he said about his lockdown routine.
The 45-year-old also utilizes this time in reading books, watching movies and the best cricket moments of his career.
“Definitely, I am making most of this break by reading books, watching films and some of the best cricketing moments, including my own for sure. The whole family saw the Kolkata Test innings (Laxman’s 281 against the Aussies in 2001 Test at Eden Gardens) again. It is a different feeling to see it now as the kids are grown up.”
“We all enjoyed my ODI hundred in Lahore (2004), watching the 2007 Johannesburg Test win (when Laxman scored a crucial 73 in the second innings). In fact, we also watched the second innings collapse in the 1997 Test in West Indies,” he added.
Laxman’s son Sarvajit has recently scored two half-centuries in the HCA Leagues.
Talking about his son, he said: “Sarvajit is a left-hander and a huge fan of David Warner (incidentally Sunrisers Hyderabad captain). He seems to be clearly enjoying his game and I am trying to teach him a few things about the art of batting.”
“It is a pleasure to be with the family as the kids are also helping their mother by doing small things in their own way.”
Like many celebrities, Laxman is also playing his part in the awareness campaigns, appealing the citizens practice social distancing in this time of crisis.
“This is the most difficult phase for everyone across the world demanding great discipline in strictly following the guidelines by staying at home,” he said. “This is not the time to take things for granted. Everyone should think for a moment what is happening in Europe and US. We should all express solidarity with the government in its fight against the virus.”
When asked what he misses the most now, Laxman replied: “Well, any cricketer or for that matter any athlete would love to be in the thick of action out there. Sincerely praying that normalcy be restored soon.”
“But again, what is of paramount importance is the health and safety of the fans who are the biggest stakeholders in events like IPL whichis going to be missed. I am sure they all understand the grim scenario and appreciate the decisions being taken to curb the Covid-19,” he concluded.
