India might limit use of saliva to shine ball: Bowler Bhuvneshwar on coronavirus scare

NEW DELHI: As a precautionary measure in the wake of the deadly Novel Coronavirus outbreak, Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar hinted that they might limit the usage of saliva to shine the white ball during the first ODI against South Africa.

However, Bhuvneshwar said a decision on the matter will be taken during a meeting by the team doctor later on Wednesday.

"We have thought about this thing (not using saliva) but I can't say right now we will not use saliva because if we don't use saliva then how will we shine the ball. Then we will get hit and you people will say you are not bowling well," the 31-year-old seamer said during the post-match press conference while returning to the team after recovering from sports hernia surgery.

He also added, "But it's a valid point and let's see we will have a team meeting today and whatever instruction we get or whatever is the best option we will do. It all depends on the team doctor and what advice he gives us”.

With the ever-rising hazard of the COVID-19 outbreak with more than 40 positive cases in the country, Bhuvneshwar said they are taking every possible precaution in these hard times.

However, he denied theorizing on whether the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) will be interrupted by the deadly disease.

According to the team doctor, Indian players have also been advised to stay away from fans and other people. The team doctor has also instructed them about all the dos and don’ts for not spreading the disease much further.

Bhuvneshwar said the team doctor has mentioned them a few dos and don’ts which include maintaining hygiene, washing hands regularly and not going closer to fans and all those things. He also added that they can’t avoid the fans as they have been a constant support.

Even the Mark Boucher, South Africa coach had also said that the Proteas could avoid the traditional handshakes during their stay in India in the rise of the outbreak.

As the Coronavirus creating havoc worldwide, South Africa went ahead with the tour only after their medical and security team gave a thumbs up.

The second match of the series will be played on March 15 in Lucknow and on March 18 Kolkata.

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