IPL 2021: “Very different times” – Chris Woakes feels lucky to play amid the COVID-19 pandemic in India
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Chris Woakes
IPL cricketers are “lucky” to be playing the world’s biggest Twenty20 tournament when India is ravaged by a coronavirus outbreak, England all-rounder Chris Woakes told. Games are being held in empty stadiums, away from the tragedy that is unfolding outside, where overburdened hospitals are running out of oxygen and beds.
The Indian Premier League, which is being held in six cities, is taking place before India hosts the Twenty20 World Cup in October and November. Delhi Capitals all-rounder Chris Woakes said he was trying to remain optimistic in the bio-secure ‘bubble’ that surrounds the eight teams in the IPL.
“It’s a shame with the situation at the moment with the people all around the world having to deal with Covid, which isn’t ideal. Within the bubble, we are trying to stay positive. We are very lucky that we still get a chance to play cricket and entertain people on the outside,” Chris Woakes told AFP.
Chris Woakes speaks on the uncertain times
The England cricketer described this year’s IPL as a “very different IPL.” On a personal basis, the 32-year-old spends a lot of time in the DC bio-bubble with his countrymen Tom Curran and Sam Billings.
“Very different times we are all living in at the moment. It’s a very different IPL, no fans, biosecure bubble, so definitely has a different feel to it. To keep busy I have got two English teammates with me in Sam Billings and Tom Curran. We spend quite a lot of time together,” added Chris Woakes.
Woakes also claims that playing T20 cricket in India is an excellent way to prepare for the World Cup later this year. He has been an important player for the Capitals so far in the season, taking 5 wickets in 3 games.
“Bowling at some world-class players in India on small grounds, good pitches that can be as hard as it gets for a bowler. Every IPL team is stacked with world-class players, so you are testing yourself against the best players in the world in tough conditions. Obviously, the World Cup being here at the end of the year, it’s perfect preparation,” said Chris Woakes.
Chris Woakes missed the IPL 2020 season due to family concerns, but he is now pleased and excited to be a member of the Delhi Capitals squad with the likes of Ricky Ponting and Steve Smith around him.
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