IND vs ENG – IPL 2021: IND vs ENG: Virat Kohli says ‘It’s unfortunate to leave Manchester without playing 5th Test – For the first time since deciding against taking the field in Manchester against England, India skipper Virat Kohli has opened up on the controversial move. The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) skipper along with Mohammed Siraj landed in UAE for IPL 2021 on Sunday after deciding to leave Manchester immediately due to the COVID scare in the Indian camp.
“Unfortunate how we ended up being here early but with COVID in place, things are very uncertain, so anything can happen at any time,” said Kohli in a video posted on RCB Twitter.
IND vs ENG – IPL 2021: Team India saw an outbreak of COVID cases in Manchester with four members of the support staff including head coach Ravi Shastri testing positive following a book launch event in London. Ahead of the 5th Test, assistant physio Yogesh Parmar tested positive and he had been in contact with all the players, they had to self-isolate. But Virat Kohli & Co didn’t feel comfortable taking the field and refused.
Bold Diaries: Virat Kohli & Mohammed Siraj join RCB
“The replacement players have great skillsets, especially in these conditions. Excited to see them with the whole group & to resume a very good season that we started last time around,” says captain Kohli.#PlayBold #IPL2021 pic.twitter.com/VvqKN3qhLo
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) September 13, 2021
Back in Dubai for the IPL 2021 Phase 2 that will start on September 19, the India and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) skipper will spend six days in quarantine. Talking about leaving Manchester without playing the Test, he said, it is unfortunate but necessary.
IND vs ENG – IPL 2021: Virat Kohli feels the upcoming months are going to be important for the IPL side and Team India considering the T20 World Cup.
“Hopefully, we are able to maintain a good strong, secure environment here and have a quality IPL and onto the World Cup. So now, heading into the T20 phase, I think it is going to be an exciting phase and a very important one for us at RCB and for the Indian team at the World Cup as well,” Virat Kohli added.
IND vs ENG – IPL 2021: Meanwhile, RCB brought in Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga as a replacement for Australia’s Adam Zampa. Other replacements for RCB are Dushmantha Chameera for Daniel Sams, left-arm quick George Garton for Kane Richardson, and Tim David for New Zealand’s Finn Allen.
Further speaking about the new addition in the squad, Kohli said, “The replacement players have great skillsets, especially in these conditions. Excited to see them with the whole group and to resume a very good season that we started last time around.”
IND vs ENG – IPL 2021: On the other hand, Siraj said, “I’m joining RCB family after so many days, really excited for the IPL. We are in a good position on the points table so it will be a lot of fun.”
The 14th season, which was postponed in May this year in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, will resume on September 19 in Dubai with a blockbuster clash between Chennai Super Kings and defending champions Mumbai Indians.
The action will then shift to Abu Dhabi where Kolkata Knight Riders will square off against Royal Challengers Bangalore. Sharjah will host its first game on September 24 when Royal Challengers Bangalore take on Chennai Super Kings. In all, 13 matches will be held in Dubai, 10 in Sharjah, and 8 in Abu Dhabi.
The board has come up with a 46-page health advisory that lays down all the pointers that everyone associated with the IPL needs to follow in order to ensure the smooth functioning of the league.
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