Without "Kohli-Kohli, Dhoni-Dhoni" Chants, IPL Would Become Dull: Virender Sehwag

The outburst of the Coronavirus has not only thrown the sporting calendar into chaos but also the overall events around the globe. Due to the contagion, the thirteenth season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), which was slated to begin from the 29th of March has now been pushed to the 15th of April. The IPL being as good as a festival in India and the postponement has made several fans and former cricketers go dejected.

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It is still unknown whether even in April the crowds would be able to come into the stadium or will it take place behind closed doors. Former Indian opening batsman Virender Sehwag has opined his thoughts on playing in closed doors. The Delhi opening batsman took part in the Road Safety Series alongside the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Irfan Pathan. The same event also joined the list of cancellation due to the growing positive cases in India of Coronavirus.

Sehwag conceded that the absence of crowds would reduce the fun element in the lucrative league. The IPL is best known for having packed stadiums throughout its duration in India with the fans chanting the name of players as and when they go hit fours and sixes. Hence, he believes that the lack of cheering and yelling would mitigate the enjoyment.

At the same time, he acknowledged the situation in the country and felt it’s better not to invite the crowds into a gathering. The virus is said to transmit extremely fast and a public accumulation in large can spread it among thousands.

“I have played domestic cricket among empty stands only. Since the time I started playing Road Safety Series, I got to witness some crowds. Entering a stadium with no people, as you hit a four or six, when people don’t clap, cheer, and chant Kohli-Kohli or Dhoni-Dhoni, there is no joy.” Sehwag said in an interview of Cricbuzz.

“However, given the situation, it is a wise decision not to let the people enter the stadium. If even one person with the virus comes to the ground, he has the potential to affect plenty of other people around him.” he added further.

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