Zaheer Khan, Mumbai Indians’ Director of Cricket Operation, has said that players will get used to the new norms and rules implemented due to curb the spread of the COVID-19 in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL).
Talking about the saliva ban in a video posted by MI on Twitter, the veteran opined that players would have to be more careful because applying saliva on the ball is their natural habit. As per him, the players will have to be mindful to get rid of the habit of shining the ball with natural substances which are the carrier of the COVID-19.
“Cricket balls and all that, yes, we have to be little careful of and get used to not using the saliva as well. So old habits, at time, just creeps in as bowlers so we will have to be mindful of that,” Zaheer said.
Zaheer Khan also advised the players to have a healthy mental space during the long tournament as they won’t be allowed to move outside the bio-secure bubble.
“When you are a professional athlete you have to find a way of keeping that mental space which you like to be in. It varies individually so that is something which every individual has to take care of and own that individual space,” the veteran speedster said.
Good to be back again: Zaheer Khan
After cricket resumed amid the ongoing pandemic, several new rules have been introduced like maintaining a bio-secure bubble, social distancing and practice pattern has also changed. Zaheer believes that it is not tough to get used to a new routine as once they get habitual of it. He feels good to be back after the extended break
“I would not say that it is going to be difficult as such it is just a matter of getting used to the new routines and the preparation routines are going to change. You have to keep up with that. It just feels good to be back again out on the field,” Zaheer Khan added.
Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians will play the IPL 2020 opening match against Chennai Super Kings on 19 September in the UAE.