DC head coach Ricky Ponting claimed that there is a strange feeling in the team amidst the chaos in the COVID-19 pandemic in India. He said that the team is discussing more about COVID-19 than probably any other franchise as their premier off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has also left the tournament midway.
The second wave of coronavirus has wreaked havoc in India since the past few weeks. On a daily basis for more than a week now, around three lakh cases are being recorded and people have found it tough to get hospital beds, oxygen supplies and basic medical assistance.
The Capitals have won four out of their first six matches and are placed third in the points table. Amidst all the action on the field, DC head coach Ricky Ponting has expressed concerns over the deteriorating COVID situation in India.
After DC’s one-run loss against Royal Challengers Bangalore on Tuesday at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ponting opined that it’s a really strange feeling amongst the team right now.
“Everyone is very aware of what’s happening outside and through India at the moment. Obviously, our hearts go out to every single person in India that’s struggling with what’s happening with COVID in the society,”
Ponting said.
Earlier, Delhi Capitals’ ace off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin left the IPL midway to take care of his family.
“Ravi Ashwin left to be with his family. So maybe, it’s probably affecting us and we are talking about it more than maybe, most teams are,”
he stated.
Ponting also said he understands the importance of the IPL games as a source of joy and jubilation for the people of India in dreary circumstances all around.
He claimed that there is no doubt that there have been few distractions on the way. But the team understands how blessed the team is to turn up and perform.
“Hopefully, there are a number of people around India who got some enjoyment out of watching a great game of IPL tonight,”
the 46-year-old added.
The Delhi Capitals will play their next game against the Kolkata Knight Riders on Thursday, April 29 in Ahmedabad.
