'Getting a flight just in time, we were pretty lucky' - Adam Zampa looks back at his IPL 2021 exit from India amid COVID second wave

Owing to the challenges of the ongoing pandemic and the bio-bubble environment, a few players had withdrawn their names from IPL 2021. Whereas some of the players had made their way back home mid-way through the tournament. Australia’s leg spinner Adam Zampa was one of those players who made a sudden exit from the league.

Zampa, who was part of the Royal Challengers Bangalore, flew back home with teammate Kane Richardson on the 25th of April. The Australian government had suspended flights from India until the 15th of May and thus amidst these, the two players were fortunate enough to reach home by catching a chartered plane.

The leg-spinner opened up on his exit from IPL 2021 and asserted that whilst uncertain circumstances, they were lucky enough to get a flight. He also added that Richardson and he thought it was the best idea to get home.

“Getting a flight just in time, we were pretty lucky. It was a bit of a sh**storm. I remember people saying to us they didn’t believe that Australia would lock out Australian citizens from their country then the next day, that happening. It was a bit bizarre. Kane and I made the decision together, thinking it was the best idea for us to get home,” Zampa said as quoted by Perth Now.

Richardson had featured in only one game for RCB in IPL 2021. Whereas on the other hand, Zampa did not play a single match. In the UAE leg of the IPL, Wanindu Hasaranga and Dushmantha Chameera were roped in the side as their replacements.

I’d love nothing more than to win the World Cup: Adam Zampa

Zampa is Australia’s prime spinner for the upcoming T20 World Cup. The Men in Yellow will kick start their campaign against South Africa on the 23rd of October in Abu Dhabi. However, recently Australia had a disappointing T20I series against Bangladesh and West Indies. The leg spinner reflected on these aspects and stated that he looks forward to winning the mega event.

“We had a rough time as a team and I think we all actually needed a little bit of a physical and mental break. I went and spent every minute I possibly could just around home. I’d love nothing more than to win the World Cup. Anything less will be a disappointment.”