IPL 2020: Virat Kohli says ‘1 mistake can spoil whole tournament’ in RCB’s virtual meeting in Dubai

First Published Aug 24, 2020, 6:27 PM IST

Dubai: The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have given a sneak peek to the Virat Kohli-led team’s first virtual team after arriving in Dubai for IPL 2020. Kohli, AB de Villiers, Chris Morris, Yuzvendra Chahal, along with the support staff met virtually and discussed about the tournament. Kohli urged his teammates to “not let the team down” by breaching the bio-secure bubble amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Also, RCB’s director Mike Hesson spoke about “strong consequences” if any player breaks the rules in the UAE.

On its official Twitter handle, RCB shared the video of the virtual meeting. There were more than 30 participants, according to captain Kohli.

“Sneak peek into RCB’s first virtual team meeting of #IPL2020 after landing in the UAE, with @CoachHesson, @imVkohli and Simon Katich welcoming the team and addressing them on an exciting season that’s right around the corner #PlayBold #BoldDiaries (sic),” RCB wrote with the video.

Kohli spoke and asked Hesson about what happens if a player breaks the rules when being in a bio-secure bubble in the team hotel.

“Dealt with very seriously…there will be strong consequences”, Hesson answered to the skipper’s question.

“We have a document that BCCI has written. It is basically a part of your contract. If there is a breach of the bubble, a willful act, then that becomes a contractual issue between the player and RCB,” Hesson explained as head coach Simon Katich, Kohli and other players watched.

“If there is an issue, accidental breach of the bubble, then players have to go into isolation for seven days. They have to repeat their tests to be allowed back into the bubble,” he added.

“Every team’s player has to sign a document which explains the consequences (of breaking the bubble,” Hesson said.

“All I am saying is that, if someone was to end up in such a situation or a position, for me, that is letting the whole team down. Because, it might happen at that stage of the tournament where we can’t afford to lose that player. And, if he does so, and we get harmed by it, then the whole team, system, culture loses. So, I just want to talk about this so that everyone understands the importance of repercussions that might take place if you violate any of the rules,” Kohli said.

Kohli asked everyone to follow the rules. “I would expect everyone to be on same page in terms of securing the bubble at all times and making sure that nothing is compromised because one mistake can spoil the whole tournament and none of us would want that.”

“I can't wait to go to our first practice session - something we're all going to cherish. An opportunity to create a good team culture from day one,” the captain added.

“For me, it's all about what can I do to create an environment where everyone feels part of the team equally and everyone feels responsible for where we want to go equally. All of us have to contribute towards that, firstly the seniors in the team.”