More Than Panic, It Was Just About Being Worried: Vijay Shankar On Multiple Covid Positive Cases Rocking The IPL

India and SunRisers Hyderabad seam-bowling all-rounder, Vijay Shankar, has revealed that while he and his teammates didn’t panic, they were definitely worried after multiple players including their very own Wriddhiman Saha tested positive for Covid-19.

The 14th season of the Indian Premier League was suspended for an indefinite period of time by the Board of Control for Cricket in India [BCCI] following the breach of bio-bubbles leading to multiple Covid cases.

SunRisers Hyderabad was scheduled to lock horns against Mumbai Indians on the day when IPL 2021 was postponed and Shankar revealed that the players were preparing for the game until the final confirmation came.

‘’More than panic, it was just about being worried. A couple of guys tested positive, when someone tested positive in our team, it became a bit more,” Vijay Shankar told India Today.

“Otherwise, we knew even the day they suspended the IPL, we were supposed to play a game. We were trying to prepare and keep ourselves motivated till we got the message, saying the IPL was suspended,” he added.

Vijay Shankar was also asked about the challenges that cricketers face while staying inside a bio-secure protocol. Shankar added that while bio-bubble life is a bit difficult, it is important for everyone to adapt to bio-bubble protocols and stick together as a unit.

“First year, last time, when we faced this, it was a bit difficult. Bio-bubble life is a bit difficult but if you ask me as a professional, it’s important for us to adapt to it and follow the protocols. As a team, you need to be together. Only then you can spend those 1 and half two months together. Otherwise, it will be difficult for every individual,” Vijay Shankar said.

With Covid cases surging, there were a lot of talks that the IPL should be postponed given the plight of the people all around the country. Vijay Shankar, however, reckoned that the IPL was serving as an escape for the people and all the players were trying their best to entertain everyone involved.

“At the end of the day, we want to play cricket and entertain the people. In this situation, there were a lot of people who were looking up to the IPL every evening to sit and watch and forget about every other thing. A tournament like this was helping take the viewers’ mind off Covid. It definitely was (a source of motivation), we were trying to give our best,” he added.

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