Indian Head Coach Ravi Shastri feels that sports are a very minuscule part of life under the present crisis circumstances.
The sports were running even the early of last March. However, the novel COVID-19 or coronavirus pandemic, which has spread in many countries, has forced to stop the daily busy life of the world. The coronavirus cases are increasing daily basis along with death reports. In this situation, many countries have decided to postpone many events, including sports.
Cricket has also been affected in this crisis period. Talking about Indian cricket, after the postponement of the home ODI series against South Africa, the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League or IPL 2020 has also been postponed without beginning.
In the recent interview with Firstpost, Ravi Shastri was in his typical mood. Shastri feels that the deadly virus has proved that nothing is permanent in life.
Shastri told Firstpost, “It is unusual, yes, but these are also extraordinary times. Not a shot has been fired, not a bullet discharged, not a stone thrown. Not one of the high-tech weapons in the arsenal of several nations has been used. And yet, the whole world has been paralysed by a tiny but deadly virus.
“It just goes to reiterate, again, that nothing is permanent in life. It’s unfortunate if you need a tragedy of this magnitude to drive that point home. But sometimes, the most valuable lessons in life come in the harshest, most unexpected and unimaginable ways. It again reminds you that you must enjoy life while it lasts, enjoy it to the fullest, be thankful for what you have and never take anything for granted.”
Indian team returned home from the New Zealand tour in early March. Shastri feels that they were fortunate to return to home in time.
He added, “I suppose you could say we were all fortunate, we dodged a mighty big bullet by making it back home in time.”
Let’s not lose sight of the present in chasing the future: Ravi Shastri
Australia has the schedule to host the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2020 from 18th October to 15th November 2020. However, the coronavirus pandemic has created a doubtful future of this tournament although the International Cricket Council (ICC) is still confident to organise this tournament successfully.
Ravi Shastri feels that sports is now a very small part of life. However, he also believes that sports can bring back the smile on the faces of people in future.
He claimed, “Will we have the Twenty20 World Cup in Australia in October? We don’t know really, do we? There is so much uncertainty currently that it will be impossible to state with any assurance when even thought will be given to the resumption of sporting activities.
“Sport seems a very minuscule part of life under the circumstances, though I do feel that as and when we do get underway, it will definitely put smiles on the faces of people. I personally feel it will contribute to emotional and psychological well-being, but again, that’s in the future and as I’ve maintained, let’s not lose sight of the present in chasing the future.”