The Coronavirus pandemic has put the entire world on a standstill, and due to which many cricketing events have been either postponed or cancelled. The big question, however, is that what will be the future once the normalcy in cricket resumes? Well, India’s Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane has the solution.
The Mumbaikar on Wednesday said that cricketers would require at least a month of training before the recommencement of matches. Rahane also opined that the fascinating sport could only begin after experts discover a vaccine for the deadly COVID-19.
“We would be needing three to four weeks of proper practice before playing any kind of competitive game (domestic or international). I am missing my batting. But obviously, cricket should only start when we get a vaccine to fight the virus,” said Rahane during an online press conference as quoted by IT.
Rahane also gave his views regarding the future of cricket post coronavirus outbreak. He said that in future, players would be cautious of celebrations and group hugs which they usually do after the fall of wickets. Rahane opined that handshakes would be replaced by ‘Namaste’.
“I think we might go back to the good old days when fielders would still stand in their designated positions after the fall of a wicket and clap. Maybe handshakes will be replaced by a ‘Namaste’,” added the middle-order batsman.
The 31-year-old stated that the security of cricket fans would be given the highest importance. He said that the player’s lifestyle would also witness quite a few changes.
“Once sport resumes, you can’t take anything for granted. The safety of the fans will be of utmost importance. There will be changes in lifestyle while travelling. Especially before and after the match,” said the Ahmednagar-born cricketer.
Currently, the hot trending topic is whether there should be a ban on the use of saliva to shine the ball or not, and Rahane too dropped his thoughts on the debate. He simply said that he would like to ‘wait and watch’ to get a fair idea.
“I would like to wait and watch. You will only get a fair idea about revised rules once play resumes,” Rahane asserted.
When asked about his activities amid lockdown, Rahane expressed that he is currently focussing on his fitness and following the steps provided by his trainer. The right-handed batsman also stated that he is hopeful of good things once the lockdown gets over.
“I am following the chart given by our trainer. I am also doing ‘free weights’ at home apart from meditation. This lockdown has taught us to be a more patient, belief in my routines, and I am confident, the end result will be great,” concluded Rahane.
The talented Indian cricketer has so far played 65 Tests, 90 ODIs and 20 T20Is and has stockpiled 4203, 2962, and 375 runs, respectively. He has also smashed 14 hundreds and 47 half-centuries in international cricket.
