The Big 3 of Indian cricket — Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma — have reached the UAE to begin their preparations for the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League.
The trio reached on Friday but will be quarantined in their hotel rooms for the next six days as part of the IPL’s guidelines.
A total of six teams have so far reached the UAE —Kolkata Knight Riders, Kings XI Punjab and Rajasthan Royals on Thursday were followed by Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians. Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad are expected to be there over the weekend.
All players will be tested for Covid-19 on the first, third and sixth days of their quarantine following which those who test negative will be part of the bio-secure bubble. They can then follow their training and practice schedules.
“The players spent their opening day talking to each other through balconies besides following a fitness plan handed out by the team’s trainers,” said a Royals spokesman.
The Royals have demarcated the outdoor area which a player cannot use if his next-door teammate too is outside. Royals’ pacer Jaydev Unadkat also posted a video on social media focusing on his first morning in Dubai. He has an air cycle in his room to keep him in shape and used the outdoor area along his room for a yoga session.
While Dhoni and Rohit travelled with teammates from Chennai and Mumbai, respectively, Virat flew in by a chartered aircraft from Mumbai.
KKR captain Dinesh Karthik has promised “to give it all” despite the players not having played any competitive cricket in recent months.
“This IPL will be different. What has happened in the world has pained us deeply and it is surely a challenge to play cricket. But we understand that when we play the game, we bring happiness to our fans,” Karthik was quoted as saying from the team’s base at the Ritz Carlton in Abu Dhabi.
“Yes, there will be a bio bubble. Yes, we haven’t played or trained extensively for the last few months. Yes, the road ahead may be full of obstacles. But we promise to give it all.”
Kuldeep Yadav admitted the lockdown has taken its toll on the cricketers. “Initially, it was very tough to adjust when the lockdown was imposed, because we were unable to practise outdoors. But I am completely ready now,” he said.
CSK all-rounder Shane Watson, who joined teammates in Dubai, said in a video message from his hotel room: “I am getting used to being in a room with plenty to do. I have got a beautiful view of the Burj Khalifa. I am going to be doing some exercises, walking up and down my room, listening to podcasts… I am so excited to be here for another IPL campaign.”
