“Wickets are going to get slower”: Delhi Capitals’ Shikhar Dhawan reacts on playing IPL 2020 in UAE

Shikhar Dhawan: Delhi Capitals’ senior opening batsman expects the pitches to be on the slower side in IPL 2020.

Delhi Capitals opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan admits that a player has to face several challenges while living inside a bio-secure bubble as is being done in the 13th season of the Indian Premier League in UAE.

Speaking during a media interaction organized by Capitals, Dhawan opened up on Delhi’s players keeping their mind intact via an “entertainment room”. “There are challenges to living within the bubble, because you won’t get to meet new people, you’ll have to remain with the same people throughout.

“You can’t go to restaurants, you can only go to designated areas. Our team has an entertainment room, where we play TT or video games, so that’s a good thing we’ve been provided, plus we have team dinners,” Dhawan said.

Dhawan, 34, further considers these challenges as opportunities especially to bond with his teammates. Set to play his third season (2008 and 2019) for Capitals, Dhawan also expects players to be “mentally strong” in IPL 2020 for various reasons.

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“Where there are challenges, there are opportunities as well, and it depends on the person and how he views things. I see it as an opportunity to bond with my team-mates and the entire team.

“Secondly, whether a player is doing well or badly, they can’t go out, they’ll have to remain inside [the bubble] and go through those emotions. There won’t be an outlet. You can’t go out and relax and divert your mind. People have to be mentally strong – as I said, it can be a challenge, it can be an opportunity too. I see it as an opportunity – I’m going to explore it and get stronger,” Dhawan added.

Shikhar Dhawan reacts on playing IPL 2020 in UAE

With IPL 2020 set to be played across three venues, Dhawan considers it will help players in recovering fast due to the less travel time involved.

“Because there will be less travel, your body won’t tire as much. Usually in the IPL, your match will finish late at night, and then you’ll take a flight at 11 the next morning. Now, all the players will be able to recover better between matches,” Dhawan said.

However, a downside to such a long tournament being played across three venues is the wear and tear of pitches. Being asked about the same, Dhawan acknowledged that pitches will be on the slower side especially after the first half of IPL 2020.

With Delhi having some tried and tested spinning options in Ravichandran Ashwin, Amit Mishra, Axar Patel and Sandeep Lamichhane, Dhawan believes their prowess will be a “huge advantage” for them.

“I feel that the wickets are going to turn a bit or get slower, because only three grounds are available, and that’s where we’ve got such great spinners in our side.

“[Ravichandran] Ashwin has come in, Sandeep [Lamichhane] is there, Amit Mishra is there, Axar [Patel] is there, so we’ve got a very very strong side, and at the same time they bat well, so our batting goes deep, and with their experience, it’s going to be a huge advantage for us,” Dhawan further said.