'Don't want to put family at risk' - Joginder Sharma avoids going back home after his duty amid Coronavirus outbreak

Joginder Sharma emerged as the hero for Team India in the inaugural edition of T20 World Cup after bowling the famous ‘last over’ against Misbah-ul-Haq. The bowler has been grabbing the headlines during the current pandemic after ICC shared his picture where he was seen working amid the global health crisis.

Joginder Sharma bowled the final over and steered the Men in Blue to the title after his penultimate delivery was lofted by Misbah and the ball went straight in the hands of Sreesanth. He is currently working as the Deputy Superintendent of police in Haryana and is actively involved in the battle to curb the effects of the pandemic.

In an interview with ESPN Cricinfo, Joginder explained that he has to be available for 24 hours in a day as emergency calls can arrive at any time. He is available on duty for 24 hours and he can’t deny during an emergency call amid the crisis.

“My day starts at around six in the morning. Today I started at 9am and am returning home now [8pm]. But I need to be ready for emergency calls, so effectively I am available for duty 24 hours, and I can’t say no,” he said.

Sharma further explained that he is involved in guarding various checkpoints in the rural belt of Hisar. The former India bowler also suggested everyone to stay home unless there’s an emergency.

‘Wear protective gears like masks’: Joginder Sharma

“The area that I need to oversee is mostly in the rural belt of Hisar. Right now it involves guarding various check posts and instructing not just truck and bus drivers but also common people about the virus. The basic message is: do not get out of the house unless you need to. If someone is outside without any purpose, we can sanction them under various legal acts,” said Joginder Sharma.

“Of course, if people are out to fetch essential home supplies like groceries or there is a medical emergency, we allow that as long as they are maintaining social distancing, wearing protective gear like masks and respecting the guidelines set by the government,” he added.

Sharma further revealed that he has chosen not to go home during the pandemic. Although his home is just 110km away from Hisar, Sharma doesn’t want to take a chance and put his family into danger by making contact with them.

“Although I live in Rohtak, which is just 110km from Hisar, about one and a half hours by road, I have decided not to go home. I don’t want to take a chance because I am in contact with people all day and I don’t want go home and put my family at risk,” he further said.