Cricket will be little different this time: Gokul Sharma

GUWAHATI: Long break due to COVID-19 may make the situation little difficult this season but it is manageable, feels the captain of Assam Ranji Trophy team Gokul Sharma. In an interaction with The Sentinel he however admitted that cricket would not be same this year like the previous seasons. Here is the excerpt.

The Sentinel (TS): Cricket activity is all set to start in the State. Your comment.

Gokul: It's really good news. After a long break the game will resume all over the country soon. We are eagerly waiting for it.

TS: Have you read the SOP sent by BCCI to its all State Associations recently?

Gokul: Yes. There would be several restrictions this time. But we have to accept it as there is no other alternative until we get the vaccine.

TS: Do you feel cricket would be different this time!

Gokul: To some extent yes. Inside the field there would be some restrictions like ban on saliva etc. We would possible miss a lots of activities at the dressing room too as we need to maintain social distance and other restrictions. Even training to be implemented following social distancing rules

TS: Cricketers are now nearly five months away from the game. Will it bring negative impact on the performance?

Gokul: Look it will depend how the cricketers have spent their time during the break. If a cricketer has worked on his fitness during last four-five months then I don't think he would face any problem otherwise it will be really difficult.

TS: Do the cricketers need any help from the mental trainer?

Gokul: I don't think it is necessary for senior or U-23 cricketers. But yes for the junior cricketers it may be required. I personally took initiative during this break and talked to some of the junior cricketers of the State over telephone. During the conversation I advised them to work on their fitness. Still it would be good if a mental training camp, at least for a few days, is organized for them as these cricketers are not matured enough to tackle this type of situation. 

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