The veteran Indian Test specialist, Cheteshwar Pujara feels that sports should take a back seat in such a crisis situation as humans lives are more important. He is also hopeful the situation will return to normal in the coming months. Coronavirus has affected all walks of life with several countries under lockdown to contain the spread of the highly contagious virus. Consequently, normal life has taken a brutal hit.
During a chat with Times of India, Pujara said, “It has happened for the first time in our lives and I hope it won’t happen again. We can’t think about the game right now. I am sure things will be under control in a few months’ time. Even if the county season doesn’t happen, one shouldn’t worry much because human lives are more important than any sport.”
ALSO READ: BCCI Set To Lose Billions If IPL 2020 Gets Canceled?
Usually, this is the period when IPL is in full swing and Pujara was expected to ply his trade in England’s County Championship. Both the tournaments have been suspended indefinitely and there’s no definite time-frame for cricketing action to resume anytime soon with coronavirus continuing to infect people globally.
Acknowledging the same, Pujara said, “At times, you need to stay away from the game. Fortunately, this has come at the end of the season. We don’t know when the game will restart. But if we look at the problems other people are facing, then we can’t really think about the game. The virus is so dangerous that we have to fight this together. We have to make sure everything becomes normal first. And then we can think about the game.”
Pujara, known for his immense patience, is channelizing the qualities he has developed playing cricket to help deal with the ‘frustrating’ period when staying locked indoors is the necessity.
ALSO READ: Yuvraj Singh Complains to Rohit Sharma on Lack of Respect
The veteran cricketer said, “Everyone should understand the danger and stay indoors, though it can be frustrating. But this is like a battle that we are fighting. Those qualities of patience and discipline do come in handy. The qualities I have as a cricketer are helping me deal with this period effectively. I have that mental strength.”
