As the novel coronavirus pandemic brought the world into a standstill, all the sporting events have been cancelled and the sports-persons have been spending time at home. While the upcoming Indian Premier League is on the verge of a cancellation, Shahbaz Ahmed had a questionnaire for Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers before he dons his maiden IP jersey that too for Royal Challengers Bangalore. Even this is same for India U-19 stars Yashasvi Jaiswal and Kartik Tyagi, who were getting prepared for IPL as well.
“It was a dream come true when RCB picked me from the auction. I couldn’t have been more proud that I will share the dressing room with the Indian captain and ABD,” Shahbaz Ahmed, one of the finds of this year’s Ranji Trophy told PTI on Monday. “I would get to bowl to them in nets and ask for their tips. But we all know how the situation is. We need to tide over crisis.”
“Obviously, I am following all the instructions and I don’t venture out,” said the 25-year-old. “I do drills to keep myself motivated as I can’t do full physical training session at home. Once the lockdown ends, I would at least get a chance to run which is very important if not full nets. Firstly, the situation should be normal. Secondly, I still hope there is a short IPL. If not, then hopefully I can keep up the good work and play for RCB next year.”
For the speedster, Kartik Tyagi, who impressed everyone with his stunning pace, has enough space to train at home as his father had prepared a pitch with proper nets for him.
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“I can’t think about the uncontrollables. My job is to train and be ready as and when action starts. I train four hours every day. Two hours in the morning and two hours in the evening,” the 18-year-old said.
“Yes, I have pitch in my backyard so I am able to do single wicket bowling. Also I am doing a bit of physical training with the medicine ball. Currently, I am working on both my frontfoot and backfoot landing. Also, I am following the routines given by our trainer Anand Date,” Kartik Tyagi shared. “Nothing as such. What I thought was when I am there with the best in the business, I need to see where I stand.”
For his U-19 teammate and star of the U-19 World Cup campaign Yashasvi Jaiswal, the story is different where he wants everyone to be safe in this situation.
“I was very excited for my first IPL with Rajasthan Royals. And I was doing my preparations with my coach Jwala sir and also in RR camps. But let’s be realistic as human beings,” he said. “Our first priority should be to keep ourselves healthy and safe and pray for everyone who has been suffering from the virus.”
