Imagining cricket after recovering from the coronavirus epidemic, Indian Test team vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane said on Wednesday that whenever the players return to the field, the players will be greeted and 'high-five' (away) from a certain distance.
Rahane said in the online press conference of 'Elsa (English Language Speech Assistance) App' that the cricket field will not remain untouched by the changes in lifestyle along with the common lifestyle due to Covid-19. Rahane said, "The players in the field have to be more disciplined. Social distance has to be taken care of. After the wicket falls, we may have to resort to namaste for the celebration. We cannot take anything lightly." He said, "We will have to celebrate the old way when the wicket falls, where we will stand in our place and express our joy by clapping. Maybe we do Namaste or maybe just 'High Five'." The Sports Ministry is planning to restart national camps for the Olympic Games, but the BCCI has not yet made any such plans. Rahane said that in the midst of lockdown, he is focusing on his fitness.
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The player, who has played 65 Tests, 90 ODIs and 20 T20 Internationals for the country, said, "I think any cricketer has to play on the field and net for three-four weeks or a month before playing any match (domestic or international)."
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He said, "I am now concentrating on my fitness by practicing at home. I am resorting to exercise, yoga-meditation and karate for fitness. I got a program in this regard from the trainer. I am working accordingly." He said, "I miss my batting but obviously cricket should start only when things are under control. " Asked about speculation to stop the use of saliva and sweat on the ball, he said, "I don't know what decision the ICC (International Cricket Council) and other cricket boards will take on the matter. Personally, I will wait for this Covid-19 round to end. When cricket starts, we will all know what the rules will be."
The right-handed batsman, who scored 4203 runs with the help of 11 centuries in the Test, said that it is challenging to face Australia but everybody's health is important now. The Indian Test vice-captain said, "It has always been difficult to face Australia. They are a fantastic team. But right now I am not thinking about cricket. Everyone's health is important. When things go well, this time the government, cricket board and ICC will decide."
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On the occasion of Elsa becoming a brand ambassador, Rahane said that in the early days of cricket he had a lot of difficulty in speaking English but over time he got used to it. He said, "I used to have trouble in naming the county teams of England in the beginning. I remember my first 'Man of the Match' award. After winning from England in Mohali, I had a lot of trouble talking to Harsha Bhogle. I decided that it is important to learn it well.
Rahane had scored 91 runs in 104 balls in this match played in 2011, due to which the Indian team achieved the target of 298 runs at the loss of five wickets with four balls remaining. The team had an unassailable 3–0 lead in the five-match series. When Rahane was asked which player in the Indian team he would ask to use this app, he laughed and said, "I would not like to name anyone, I avoid out-swinger and inswinger."
