Days spent in a bio-bubble may have tested his patience but Virat Singh is ready for the 13th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) beginning in Dubai on Saturday.

The 23-year-old southpaw from Jamshedpur has also picked up some vital lessons from well-established batsmen. It’s a key element for an IPL debutant when someone like New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson tells him how to go about it in the nets.

“The six days in bio-bubble was difficult. But all of us in Sunrisers Hyderabad were on the same boat. Our bio-bubble routine comprised doing shadow practice, working on dumbbells and watching movies and cricket series on Netflix. I was holed up in my hotel room and food used to be kept at the door for me to pick it up. After all, it was a Covid protocol which all the teams had to follow,” Virat said.

Speaking to The Telegraph Online over telephone from Dubai, he said the three-week camp (after the bio-bubble period was over) was of great help. “We worked out well at the nets. I was glad to pick vital tips from Williamson who advised me to not focus or try many shots. He told me to focus on only two shots. Talking to such a great batsman was valuable and an awesome feeling,” Virat recalled.

The Jharkhand Ranji batsman said he was not sure if he would be able to make it to the XI in the first match against Royal Challengers Bangalore on Monday (September 21). “To be honest, I am not very sure as no one in the team management has spoken to me about it. Moreover, the final XI is announced before the start of the match. I am keeping my fingers crossed,” Virat said.

According to him, he has been feeling good ever since he landed in Dubai last month. “I would like to grab the opportunity with both hands if given a chance to perform. I just need a solid knock to get going. I am really looking forward with confidence and want to use the opportunity to the fullest,” Virat added.

The left-hander said he was in touch with his family in Jamshedpur. “Yes, I regularly talk to my parents and siblings to know about their health. I feel good talking to them,” Virat said.

Asked if has met his Jharkhand mates – Saurabh Tiwary, Varun Aaron, Shahbaz Nadeem, Ishan Kishan, Monu Singh and Anukul Roy – who are also in Dubai for the IPL, Varun said barring Varun he has not been able to meet the rest. “I met Varun briefly in Dubai the other day,” Virat added.

Virat, a talented batsman, was picked up by Sunrisers Hyderabad for Rs 1.90 crore during the auction in Calcutta last year. Virat has led Jharkhand under-19 team with aplomb. He is known for his quick reflexes and excels in crunch situations, key aspects in a tournament like IPL.

He stays with his businessman father Binod Singh, homemaker mother Renu and brothers Vivek and Vishal.