NEW DELHI: Ace India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes cricketers might take time to get used the new rules which would come in place once the sport resumes amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
All cricket activities have been on standstill since mid-March following the outbreak of novel coronavirus.
"It may take time to get used to certain things. The entire lockdown and its experience is a way of our world, and nature telling us to pause, and take a back-step. Over the years, we've inflicted enough damage on this world, and it's time to give the earth and nature its dignity back," Ashwin said while speaking during an Instagram video chat with Delhi Capitals on Wednesday.
"The same applies to cricket. In the 1970s-80s, wicket celebrations meant fielders standing in their respective positions and clapping. Things like high-fives and fist pumps are more recent, so when we all step out to play again, it may take time to get used to certain things, but we'll need to adapt. For me as a bowler, putting saliva on the ball comes naturally, and it will take practice to avoid that," he added.
Speaking on the often ignored issue of mental health in sport, the off-spinner said, "During the span of your career, you spend so many years travelling and living in hotels, you start losing relationships on the way. And this is something people don't understand. I think to avoid that, it is really important to have someone inside the team with whom you can talk about anything -- I believe that is very healthy and critical."
The 33-year-old also said that the reason behind joining the Delhi Capitals was to "strengthen the bowling" and make the team front-runners for the Indian Premier League (IPL) title. IANS