No bio-bubble for Team India in England for 20 days post ICC World Test Championship final

Team India would be taking on New Zealand in the ICC World Test Championship final from June 18. India would continue to remain in England ahead of the five-Test series against the host for the Pataudi Trophy from August.

Team Newsable

New Delhi, First Published Jun 8, 2021, 5:03 PM IST

The Indian cricket team is gearing up for the all-important ICC World Test Championship final against New Zealand, set to be held in Southampton from June 18. The Indians have already reached the venue and are undergoing a mandatory ten-day quarantine.

The bio-bubble life has been highly discussed in the pandemic era, as the players are placed under strict restrictions, which also takes a toll on mental health. Owing to the same, numerous players have decided against playing regularly of late.

No bio-bubble for Team India in England for 20 days post ICC World Test Championship final-ayh

As of now, Team India has no option but to adhere to the strict COVID and bubble guidelines. However, ANI reports that following the conclusion of the WTC final, on June 24, the Indians would be given some time off from the hard bubble life.

The Indians would continue to stay in England post the WTC final, as they would be involved in a five-Test series against the host from August. As a result, they will have to return to the bubble life by July 14 to get the preparations underway.

ALSO WATCH: Cheteshwar Pujara hit training grounds at Southampton ahead of ICC World Test Championship final

No bio-bubble for Team India in England for 20 days post ICC World Test Championship final-ayh

"The group will head off for the break on June 24 after the final against New Zealand and then regroup again around July 14 to prepare for the Test series against England, which gets underway from August 4," a source was quoted as saying to ANI.

"See, it is simple. The boys need to switch off and relax, but we cannot ignore that COVID-19 is still not completely gone. So, the travel plans have to be made in such a way that the boys and the families that are in UK don't get stuck somewhere while taking the break. Imagine going to some other country and then, that place gets a travel ban due to a sudden rise in cases. You don't want your players or their families stuck. So, we are looking at places in the UK," it added.

No bio-bubble for Team India in England for 20 days post ICC World Test Championship final-ayh

Before departing for England, Indian skipper Virat Kohli had pondered on mental health, which has come to the focus during the pandemic due to the rigid bubble life. He had also called for proper management of mental health for the athletes.

"Like in Australia, if we had to contest in a bubble for that long period, it would have been tough. Just the fact that we had the freedom to go out and access the kind of things there, it gave us space to refresh and reset. I think it is absolutely fine; it will give us time to refresh and prepare for a long series," he had said.

NOTE: Asianet News humbly requests everyone to wear masks, sanitise, maintain social distancing and get vaccinated as soon as eligible. Together we can and will break the chain #ANCares #IndiaFightsCorona

Last Updated Jun 8, 2021, 5:05 PM IST

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No bio-bubble for Team India in England for 20 days post ICC World Test Championship final

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