Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) skipper, Virat Kohli is hopeful of a “secure” bio-bubble in the UAE leg of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 to tackle the “uncertain” Covid-19 times. Kohli further said it is unfortunate that the tournament ended earlier this year after a Covid-19 outbreak. He Kohli arrived in Dubai on Sunday after the fifth and final Test between India and England was canceled.

Notably, The Indian team decided not to take the field at Old Trafford, which led to the game being called off and eventual postponement of the Manchester Test.

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During a chat on RCB’s digital media platforms, Virat Kohli said, “Unfortunate that we had to end up here early, but with COVID in place, things are very uncertain. Hopefully, we’re able to maintain a good, strong, and secure environment, and have a quality IPL. It’s going to be an exciting phase and a very important one for us at RCB and then for the Indian team at the T20 World Cup.”

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“The replacement players have great skillsets, especially in these conditions. Excited to see them with the whole group & to resume a very good season that we started last time around,” says captain Kohli.#PlayBold #IPL2021 pic.twitter.com/VvqKN3qhLo

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) September 13, 2021

The IPL will be commencing on Sunday and RCB will play their first match on Monday. The RCB will have some exciting new additions to their squad s they have roped in leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga and Singapore batter Tim David.

Talking about the recruits, Virat Kohli said, “I’ve been in touch with everyone. We’ve had discussions over the last month or so, a little longer than that with the replacements, who’s coming and who’s not. Eventually, we ended up replacing our key players with some top-quality cricketers.”

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He further explained, “Our key players will be missed, and they are a part of the family, but the people coming in as well have great skill sets, especially for these conditions. So, I’m very excited to see them, with the whole group at practice, and certainly very excited to resume a very good season that started last time around.”