The IPL has created the “safest” bio-hub for its participants but Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting says he is also well aware of the “grim” Covid-19 situation outside the bubble in India and often discusses it with his players.

The Australian great, while admitting that the IPL can be a welcome distraction in these tough times, said that Covid-19 has dominated the conversations within his team.

“This IPL, probably more than any other, has become more about what’s happening on the outside rather than what’s happening here. We are probably the safest people in the country, probably because of the bubbles we are in,” Ponting told the franchise’s YouTube channel.

“Continually I am asking the boys at the breakfast as to what’s happening on the outside and if their families are safe, happy… That’s really an important thing.

“I think the IPL, in a situation that the country is in, cricket can bring a lot of joy to people,” he added.

However, there is no denying that state of affair is pretty gloomy at the moment as Ravichandran Ashwin has pulled out of the tournament, citing the Covid-19 “fight” his family is enduring.

“Here in DC, we are talking about being one big family and it’s important that we are thinking about an extended family, not just us here, because it’s quite grim. Yes, it’s hard for the players to be away from their families and I can’t even imagine putting myself in the situation,” he said.

Ponting, in fact, didn’t name Ashwin but had spoken about the kind of mental state the spinner was in.

“Guys living in Chennai, they are actually at home now but can’t see their families.

“It’s incredibly difficult. The more we can share these experiences, the better off we are,” Ponting had said after the win against Mumbai Indians.