Last few years have been a roller coaster ride for Hong Kong: Deep Dasgupta

India are currently facing Hong Kong in their second encounter of the Asia Cup 2022 in Dubai. The Rohit Sharma-led side is coming into this game after a nerve-wracking victory over their arch-rivals Pakistan. On the other hand, Hong Kong were sensational to secure three wins in as many appearances in the Asia Cup qualifiers to reach the main round.

Ahead of the David vs Goliath clash, the former Indian cricketers Deep Dasgupta and Nikhil Chopra spoke on the journey and form of the Nizakat Khan-led team leading up to the tournament. Dasgupta reckoned that the Hong Kong players lacked even basic training facilities in the last few years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 45-year-old highlighted the fact of the jam-packed schedule of the Hong Kong team in the recent few months, keeping them away from their families.

“Let’s not forget outside China, the toughest lockdown was in Hong Kong. These guys were stuck at home for 200 days inside their houses. They are currently in quarantine as well and have not gone home in the last three months,” said Dasgupta on BatBricks7 presents Run Ki Runneeti show on CricTracker.

“They have been travelling to the US, Africa and played Qualifiers here [UAE]. Few players had mishaps within their families, while good things have also happened, one of the players was blessed with a baby boy as well and had to go back as well. It has been a roller-coaster ride, as far as Hong Kong cricketers are concerned.”

Chopra said that Hong Kong cricketers will cherish the opportunity of playing against a top-ranked team like India. “There are some moments, which you think you play Cricket for, that you are playing against some of the best players, and you get to share the field of play,” said Chopra.