Delhi Capitals coach Ricky Ponting has said that the situation around India is grim with the COVID-19 virus prevalent but the Indian Premier League is doing its very best to bring smile and joy into the homes of million. The COVID cases are rises every day with the tournament also seeing players pulling out due personal reasons, Despite everything Ponting feels that IPL is still bringing joy to people.

The Australian great, while admitting that IPL can be a welcome distraction in these tough times, said that COVID-19 has dominated the conversations within his team.

Bio Bubble Safe, But Condition in India Grim: Ricky Ponting

“This IPL, probably more than any other, has become more about what’s happening on the outside rather than what’s happening here. We are probably the safest people in the country probably because of the bubbles we are in. I think IPL in a situation that the country is in, cricket can bring a lot of joy to people,” Ponting told the DC ‘YouTube’ channel.

Ricky Ponting admitted that it’s “hard and difficult” for the players to be away from their families while living in the same city. “It is hard for the players to be away from their families. I can’t imagine… Even if I put myself in this situation, guys that live in Chennai are actually home now, but can’t see their families,” said Ponting. “It must be incredibly difficult. So the more we can share these experiences, the better off we are.

A number of players have pulled out from IPL 2021 citing personal reasons. Kane Richarson, Adam Zampa, Andrew Tye and Capitals spinner Ravichandran Ashwin are some of the prominent names that have pulled out from the tournament this year.

“Guys living in Chennai, they are actually at home now but can’t see their families. It’s incredibly difficult. The more we can share these experiences, the better off we are,” Ponting had said after the win against Mumbai Indians.

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