IPL 2020: Staying in bio-bubble is like living in Big Boss house, says Shikhar Dhawan

This Indian Premier League (IPL) edition would be more about players’ mental strength than their cricketing attributes as they come out on the field after long hours of isolation period, thanks to the ravaging coronavirus pandemic. And Delhi Capitals (DC) opener Shikhar Dhawan on Tuesday opened up about the challenge of testing mental strength in this year’s edition.

On bio-bubble, Dhawan reckoned that he enjoys his own company to keep himself motivated and entertained, adding that this league is going to test the mental strength of the players.

“Nice to test our mental strength, it (the bio-bubble) is almost like Bigg Boss. It is a new thing for everyone, more than challenging, I see it as an opportunity to improve in every aspect. I keep myself entertained; I take it in a positive way. It totally depends on how a person talks to himself; you can be your best friend or you can be a victim,” Dhawan told Hindustan Times in an interview.

“You can have 10 people who are positive around you, but if you are not your friend, no one can help. We don’t have any outlet. I enjoy going to a restaurant, seeing people. So, how are people going to take it? This IPL it’s going to matter a lot. If people are not performing well, how do they take it? They have to stay with the same people, in the hotel only, in the same space. I am sure it’s going to have a huge impact on everyone,” the left-handed batsman said.

My stance has changed a little: Dhawan

Furthermore, the 34-year-old stylish batsman said that yoga and meditation helped him physically and mentally to handle the entire situation.

“My stamina, focus, and mobility have got better,” he said. “I used to have a stiff body, my mobility has really gone to a level I like. Also, my skills keep changing. Little things that you won’t notice like my stance has changed a little. Some of it is detailed stuff that of course I won’t like to tell.”

Speaking on the team balance, the batsman said, “Prithvi (Shaw) is in good touch, he is a class player. And Rishabh, Shreyas and Prithvi all are maturing as well. And we have Ajinkya Rahane, Ashwin coming in… I feel we’ve got a very complete side. Especially at the start, the pitches are going to be nice, I am assuming. Playing only on three venues, we will get turning pitches as well. We got enough batsmen who play the turning ball well. We have Marcus Stoinis and Alex Carey, Shimron Hetmyer and Keemo Paul as well, and Lalit Yadav is a good bat and bowls off-spin.”

Delhi Capitals is all set to face Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) in its first match of IPL 2020 on September 20.

Also read: IPL 2020: No hard feelings between Ponting and R Ashwin – Delhi Capitals CEO