The IPL is a great-intensity competition and the Sunrisers have a crew of 25 players. Hence, more than half of them will be assembling out every game. Waiting in the bubble and not performing could get twice challenging for the fringe players.
COVID-19 has trained many cricketers, which now essentially continue restricted to their quarters when not on the ground. Human synergy is restricted to teammates outdoors and going into each other’s rooms.
“Of course, the pandemic is something we can’t control. All we can do is worry about our cricket and stick by the guidelines. You need to remember why you’re there in the first place.” The Sunrisers Hyderabad skipper said in a media interaction from Dubai.
But Warner is below no delusions on the different difficulties acted by the existing position, particularly for these who will be encountering it for the primary time. As the leader of his franchise, he identifies his position is not restrained to what he appears on the field.
“It’s important to look out for each other and keep interacting. We have to make it as fun for the players as possible and not make the environment too serious. One needs to bond well with your teammates. I know it’s a very challenging environment. I have a wife and three girls back home. It’s difficult to be away from your family for such a long time. It’s important to look after the mental health and well-being of every player. One also needs to be smart and take time out when the situation gets too challenging,” the left-hander gave a peek into his leadership priorities in the coming weeks.
The IPL tournament had to be transferred out of India due to the extremely huge amount of COVID-19 cases in the country, and though Australia also was not spotless by the pandemic, the circumstances there were not as severe. Warner anticipated that the players could experience any of the short pleasures they managed.
“We were able to play golf in Australia as it’s a socially-distanced sport in itself. In fact, we could drive our cars right to the greens. Hopefully, we can get the opportunity to play some golf here as well.”
Added unique circumstances the players will confront in this IPL is the nonexistence of crowds in the stands, at slightest for the largest part of the tournament. But Warner didn’t appear to get extremely of it.
“Having no crowds will be different, but once you get into the tournament, I don’t think the players will take much notice of it,” he said.
