The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 campaign had to be indefinitely postponed due to Covid-19 outbreak within the bio-bubble, forcing the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to suspend the league. The suspension of IPL enabled all of the participants to return home, though Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) spinner Yuzvendra Chahal was already planning to withdraw from the tournament as his parents had tested positive for the virus.
The last month or so has thrown huge challenges to Indians across the country. While lakhs suffered due to Covid-19 pandemic all over India, forcing governments and authorities to enforce lockdown again, even sportspersons secured in the bio-bubble have had to deal with the virus.
A number of players and support staff had gotten infected, suggesting multiple breaches in the bio-bubble. Even before the league had been suspended, a number of players had left due to various reasons. Chahal, in an interview with India TV, revealed that he had also prepared himself for an exit.
“When I was playing in IPL, mom dad both were COVID positive. Mom had a mild one but dad’s one was serious as his oxygen count fell to 85. Dhanashree and I were pretty clear that must go back home irrespective of the fate of IPL. She wanted to be with me through the suffering,” said the wrist-spinner.
Chahal hailed his wife Dhanashree for the way she handled the entire situation. While there were tensions all over after Yuzvendra’s parents had contracted the virus, Dhanashree took charge of things and helped him handle things in the appropriate manner.
“I have a partner who really understands me and spends time with me. Especially in this pandemic, looking after household work and taking care of her professional work too. We both enjoy a good understanding. She is a very disciplined person and very rigorous about her work. I learnt that no matter how busy you are you need to find time for your workout and gym. She helps me be more punctual in life.”
It wasn’t the finest of IPLs from a personal perspective for Chahal. The wrist-spinner only managed to bag four wickets the entire season and leaked runs at an economy rate of 8.26 before the season came to a halt.
