- How often have we heard about the axiom necessity is the mother of all inventions? Yes, humanity has evolved over millenniums largely owing to the ingenuity of enterprising humankind forced to innovate, invent, and usher in path-breaking changes. Every single invention that unfolded since times immemorial has been catalyzed by the necessity to evolve in finding a solution to pressing issues confronting humanity. As we stand now on the cusp of technology-driven modernity shaping our daily lives in never seen before avatar, Mother Nature conceives plans to keep humankind in check through unforeseen challenges. The pandemic-induced difficulties have proved this phenomenon yet again.
PC: Knowlab
- As humanity struggled all through the last year to stay afloat fighting against all odds, the inevitability of sustaining life allowed us to discover ways to cope with the challenges offered by the pandemic. As we converse, the country’s fought and are still fighting in their respective ways to combat the virus menace. The saying – life has to go on – aptly applies to every veritable field/sector and the sporting arena proved to be no exception in formulating adequate measures to ensure the safety and health of the players. The resultant outcome is the by now familiar jargon of the bio-security bubble which has been lapped up by every sporting associations to keep the flag flying.
- Now, this workable and resourceful move allowed the international and national players from various disciplines to resume sporting activities by observing stringent restrictions placed to ensure none of the players, officials, support staff, and others are infected by coming into contact with outside sources or out of the bubble environment. With no or limited spectators allowed to witness the contests, the major source of revenue was from television and sponsorship rights to ensure coffers do not run empty. As the novelty factor of bio-bubble weaned away, the suffocating restraints in place have started playing on the minds of the players.
PC: k.kaur
- In this context, Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli raising concerns about the scheduling of matches for months on in successive bio-bubbles affecting players to adapt is an extremely serious matter requiring holistic and sympathetic considerations from the cricket authorities. Staying away from families for sustained periods bereft of social gatherings, freedom, and opportunities to relax amid near and dear ones is disturbing to maintain a semblance of mental equilibrium. Players blessed with the mental strength to undergo the rigors might emerge unscathed from these bio-bubbles but those lacking in the same are bound to struggle to cope up for sure.
- Few of the cricketing boards have been very considerate towards accommodating players’ concerns by following a rotational policy allowing them to skip a few matches/series from time to time. In a welcome move, England, as well as Indian Team managements, are following this strategy to keep the players fresh and adequately prepared to face the competitive world of international cricket. Yes, counseling sessions by experts on the mental aspects would go a long way in ensuring the players do not report burnout owing to bio-bubbles.
