Don't know about others but bio-bubble life has taken a toll on me mentally: Andre Russell

Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic struck, cricket is not the same anymore, as there are no huge crowds, no going outside the bio-bubble and constant COVID checks. Life has really been hard for cricketers as they have to quarantine before leaving their country and also after when they arrive to a new place. After dealing with the hard rules, there is still no relief as the players need to be under strict bio-bubble for the rest of the series.

West Indies allrounder Andre Russell feels that bio-bubbles have taken a toll on his mental health and it is a challenge to play cricket during this time. Russell was last seen in the 14^th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) before the tournament was halted abruptly due to rising Covid-19 cases inside the bio-bubbles of different teams.

The 33-year-old will now be seen in action in the sixth edition of Pakistan Super League (PSL), turning out for Quetta Gladiators. Ahead of the tournament, Russell spoke to Geo. tv regarding the bio-bubbles restrictions, isolation and mental health.

“I think it’s taking a toll on myself. I can’t talk for any other player or coaches or anyone that goes through this whole quarantine stuff. But it’s definitely taken a toll on me mentally because from bubble to bubble, in a room locked in, you can’t go out for a walk, you can’t go certain places, you can’t socialise, it’s different.”

Andre Russell raring to go for Quetta Gladiators in the PSL

The charismatic allrounder though was quick to acknowledge the fact that he gets to play the sport which he loves playing the mots and for that he is very grateful and thankful.

“But at the end of the day, I’m not being ungrateful, I’m grateful that we’re still playing, we’re still doing our job.”

Russell now shifts attention to the next task of getting the Quetta Gladiators back to winning ways after a lackluster first half, where the team managed to win just one game out of five. However, the Sarfaraz Ahmed-led side have surely got a shot in the arm by having the presence of the burly allrounder.