Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir feels there would be apprehensions in the minds of the players once they go back on the field and take part in competitive sport post the Covid-19 lockdowns.
“It depends from individual to individual (fear in mind of cricketers). But yes there will be little apprehensions, when they go out and play. Probably after some time, it will go in the heat of the game once players are on the pitch and will ease into the game and will be excitement to be out and playing,” Gambhir said.
One of the talking points of post-Covid cricket has been the ban on the usage of saliva to shine the ball when the sport resumes in order to stop the transmission of the virus. In fact, the ICC Cricket Committee has also recommended the ban on saliva usage and a decision on the same can be expected next month.
However, Gambhir fears the recommended saliva ban could further take the game — which is already titled towards the batters — away from the bowlers.
“It will be the hardest thing for the bowlers. The ICC have to come out with an alternative. Without shining the ball, I don’t think it will be an even contest between bat and ball,” Gambhir said.
“If they don’t allow using saliva, they will have to come up with an alternative to help the bowlers to shine the ball. It’s going to be very important otherwise there would be no fun watching cricket,” he added.