NEW DELHI, May 15, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – Top Indian players Virat Kohli and Rohit
Sharma could be left stranded in pandemic-stricken Mumbai when senior players
start training again, an official has warned.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) could allow outdoor
training as early as next week when a further easing of the government’s
nationwide coronavirus lockdown is to start.
But Mumbai, where national captain Kohli and batsman Sharma are based, is
at the forefront of India’s battle against the pandemic, and tough
restrictions are expected to be maintained there.
“For players like Kohli and Rohit, the restrictions are there in Mumbai and
might stay,” BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal told AFP.
Mumbai has recorded almost 1,000 coronavirus deaths and accounts for more
than a third of India’s fatalities so far. The number of new cases is still
rising.
Dhumal said that following government talk of further easing its nearly
two-month-old lockdown, “some skill-based training” outdoors could be possible
in other parts of India.
While international cricket and the Indian Premier League have been high-
profile sporting victims of the coronavirus, Kohli and other players have been
posting pictures of their indoor training and other activities on social media
during the lockdown.
Dhumal said India’s National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bangalore was working
on a post-lockdown plan for players which would be adapted to the level of
restrictions.
“As of now we are working, given the lockdown restrictions, through apps
and online modes. The coaches and support staff are regularly in touch with
the players,” said Dhumal.
“Everybody would be keen to hit the ground and the idea is whenever we are
ready for cricket to resume, they (the players) are able to give their 100
percent.”
India have a short tour of Sri Lanka scheduled for June but it is widely
expected to be called off.