Sandeep Patil reveals how players can prepare to bounce back to the field amid COVID-19 pandemic

The coronavirus debacle has wreaked its havoc all across the world in the past few months. The positive cases have been increasing with each passing day and more than 4 lakh individuals across the globe have succumbed to death. Along with human existence, the pandemic has also put sporting scenario at a halt.

Talking about the pandemic’s effect on the cricketing scenario, the world hasn’t witnessed international cricket since March. The last international encounter in the gentleman’s game was between Australia and New Zealand at the SCG, where Aaron Finch and his men registered a 71-run triumph.

Cricket fanatics are eagerly waiting for the resumption of the sport amid the pandemic. Meanwhile, many teams have already been preparing to set the ball rolling towards the resumption of international cricket. West Indies, as well as Pakistan, are slated to lock horns with England soon, where matches will be played in a biosecure environment without any spectators.

However, players need to get ready, both physically and mentally, in order to brace the field after a considerable gap. Former India international Sandeep Patil opined over the issue and said that it will be a daunting task for players to make an injury-free comeback to the game.

Focus firmly on making an injury-free comeback: Sandeep Patil

“These are pretty uncertain times and the challenge to bounce back without any injuries will be a real task for any player. But they need to remember that all these challenges will first have to be dealt strongly in the mind. You need to begin slowly and ensure that you tune your focus firmly on making an injury-free comeback,” said Patil while speaking exclusively on Star Sports show– ‘Winning the Cup — 1983’.

Patil even recalled his coaching stint with Kenyan side where he focussed on players being mentally strong. While throwing light on the mental aspect of the game, Patil cited the example of 83 World Cup final, where Kapil Dev and Co outclassed a dominant West Indies side to etch their name into history books.

“Even during my tenure as coach of Kenya, I used to always focus on players being mentally strong before any tournament. During the 83 World Cup final, after we were restricted to 183, we thought we were down and out. But before stepping onto the field for the second innings, we all made a very fervent resolution in our minds and as a team. The rest they say is history!

Bowling to the likes of Greenidge, Viv Richards was no easy task but because we were focussed on laying our hands on that trophy, we were able to do it. So, being mentally mature is very important for any sportsperson, not just cricketers,” added Patil, who donned the Indian jersey in 29 Tests and 45 ODIs.