Ahead of India’s last game against Namibia in the ICC T20 World Cup, head coach Ravi Shastri says that his players were mentally and physically drained and a longer break between IPL and the ICC event would have saved them.
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India’s outgoing head coach recently made a statement that staying in the bio-bubble is never easy for players. Pakistan skipper Babar Azam on Tuesday backed the outgoing coach’s views that competing regularly in bio-bubbles is not easy for the players as it can leave them “disturbed and uncomfortable”.
For the first time in 22 years India failed to clear the group stage of an ICC tournament. It is the 1st time since 2012 that India did not qualify in the semi finals of an ICC event.
“Look they are always ups and downs in professional cricket but yes players do get disturbed and uncomfortable by remaining constantly in a bio-secure bubble environment,” Babar told a virtual press conference ahead of his team’s semi-final clash against Australia on Thursday.
“We have tried to counter that by working as a group and trying to support each other in the Pakistan team,” he said.
The Pakistani skipper agreed that it is never easy to be in an enclosed environment.
“As a player you need to relax and be ready to absorb the pressure. But at times when things are not going well you need space and you need to refresh, go out.
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“If you can’t get out of the bubble, negative thoughts do enter your mind and affect your performances,” he explained.
Babar Azam added that the Pakistan team worked as a unit and also held counselling sessions for those who were not feeling comfortable in the bubble.
“We all try to talk to each other all the time in groups and help out each other by lifting each other and it allows us to relax and encourage as well,” he added.
“We have performed well so far in every match we want to carry the same momentum into the semi-finals. As a group we have done our best and everyone has given his best but every match is a new challenge and this is T20 cricket you have to remain sharp on the given day,” he said.
Babar Azam’s Pakistan will now face Australia in the semi-finals of the mega event.
“Everyone takes responsibility, everyone’s role is clear. In the semi-finals, we want to continue positively but it is all about how you perform on the day,” he added.
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