Ever since the resumption of international cricket post COVID-19 hiatus, the players have been forced to stay in bio-bubbles, where their life is restricted to hotels and stadiums.
It certainly can be mentally challenging but for India opener Shikhar Dhawan, who will lead the team during the white-ball tour to Sri Lanka next month, bubble life has created stronger bonds among players with a lot of conversations around.
“When we went home from [the suspended] IPL, we rested and got to spend time with our families after such a long time. We got to know our families from close and that is what we enjoyed. Our training also continued," Dhawan told the media ahead of the team’s departure to Sri Lanka.
“Then we quarantined here (in Mumbai), we have a nice blend of seniors and youngsters. As seniors we have great opportunity to share our experience with youngsters — from our successes and failures. We are together while living in a bubble or a secluded area. That culture - prevalent 10-15 years ago - when all boys used to be together after the day’s play is coming back due to the bio-bubble life. We are spending time together. It is helping in bonding. That is a sign of a good team — good bonding, trust and I am sure, we will gain from each other’s experience," he added.
India’s tour of Sri Lanka, comprising three ODIs and as many T20Is, will be held in Colombo from July 13 to July 25.
There are many new faces in the squad with Devdutt Padikkal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Nitish Rana, K Gowtham, and Chetan Sakariya receiving maiden India call-up. Legendary Rahul Dravid has been appointed as head coach for the tour.
Dhawan, who has represented India in 34 Tests, 142 ODIs and 65 T20Is, said it is a great honour for him to lead the country at the highest level.
“It is a great honour for me to captain India. Also working with Rahul [Dravid] bhai. I have played under his coaching when I was captaining India A in Bangladesh. We sync with each other. We want an environment in which boys can express themselves, be themselves. That is how we will get the best out of them."
The 35-year-old said it is important for the top-order to bat for a long period in Sri Lanka.
“It is important for the top-order to stay long at the crease over there. Give good start in first six overs in T20 and build long innings from there. Of course, we will play according to the demands of the situation. Boys are looking to perform their roles."
(With IANS inputs)
