IPL 2020: Adjusting to New Normal Won’t be Difficult, Says Zaheer Khan
The former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan said that players need to be careful on the field in IPL 2020 and have to follow new routine due to the current pandemic situation.
Former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan said that players need to be careful on the field and have to follow new routine due to the current pandemic situation. This new routine includes isolation, bio-safe training camps, keeping hands clean, regular temperature monitoring and a complete ban on the use of saliva on the ball.
Zaheer considered that the last thing in this protocol was the most difficult part.
In a Twitter video message posted by Mumbai Indians, Zaheer said, “Cricket balls and all that, yes, we have to be a little careful and get used to not using the saliva as well. So old habits, at times, just creeps in as bowlers so we will have to be mindful of that.”
The former Indian fast bowler, referring to the Indian Premier League starting on September 19, said,
“When you are a professional athlete you have to find a way of keeping that mental space which you like to be in. It varies individually so that is something which every individual has to take care of and own that individual space”.
“I would not say that it is going to be difficult as such it is just a matter of getting used to the new routines and the preparation routines are going to change. You have to keep up with that. It just feels good to be back again out on the field”, he added.
The Mumbai Indians have given each of their players a ‘zip bag’ in which they have to place their training ball so that health safety protocols can be followed.
The 13th edition of Indian Premier League will be played from September 19 to November 10.
Due to the current situation of the pandemic in India, IPL 2020 is being played in the UAE across three venues – Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.