NEW DELHI, May 6: India�s Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane on Wednesday said cricketers will need at least a month of training before resumption of competitive games, which should happen only after a vaccine for the dreaded COVID-19 is discovered.
Rahane also said that in a coronavirus-scarred world, the lifestyle of cricketers will undergo a change as far as pre and post-match routines are concerned.
�We would be needing three to four weeks of proper practice before playing any kind of competitive game (domestic or international),� Rahane, who was named brand ambassador of ELSA (English Language Speech Assistant) app, said during an online press conference.
�I am missing my batting. But obviously, cricket should only start when we get a vaccine to fight the virus,� he asserted.
While the sports ministry is planning a phased resumption of national camps in Olympic disciplines, the BCCI is yet to spell out its plans on cricket. Rahane said he is focusing on his fitness amid the lockdown.
�I am following the chart given by our trainer. I am also doing �free weights� at home apart from meditation,� he said.
He agreed that in future, players will be wary of wild celebrations and group hugs which they are so used to at the fall of wickets.
�I think we might go back to the good old days when fielders would still stand in their designated positions after the fall of a wicket and clap. May be handshakes will be replaced by a Namaste,� the elegant Mumbai right-hander predicted.
�But once sport resumes, you can�t take anything for granted. The safety of the fans will be of utmost importance. There will be changes in lifestyle while travelling. Especially before and after the match,� Rahane said.
However he was non-committal on whether there should be a ban on the use of saliva to shine the ball, a topic of debate right now.
�I would like to wait and watch. You will only get a fair idea about revised rules once play resumes.�
A couple of months back there were discussions about trying Rahane in white ball cricket because of his experience and IPL would have been a great platform for him to reaffirm his status as a quality white-ball player.
However, with the event postponed indefinitely, Rahane�s chances of a comeback in limited overs certainly got affected.
But the seasoned batsman, who has played 65 Tests, 90 ODIs and 20 T20Is, wants to stay positive.
�It�s all about being positive. I want to do well for my country in all formats. I have belief in myself. You never know what the future has in store for you.
�This lockdown has taught us to be more patient, believe in my routines and I am confident, the end result will be great,� Rahane said. � PTI
