IPL 2020: Scott Styris highlights a concern for the Indian players

The 13th season of Indian Premier League is about to kick off. Only 11 days are remaining and the first game will be played on 19th September at Abu Dhabi. Chennai Super Kings and defending Champions, Mumbai India will be having a face-off in the first encounter. The tournament has been moved to UAE as the situation in India is not appropriate to arrange such an extravaganza.

While the whole cricket spectrum is happy to see the cricketers back in action after a gap of 6 months, Scott Styris has raised concern for the Indian players. As per the former New Zealand all-rounder, the Indian players will be highly affected by the fact that there will be no crowd in stands. Styris feels that overseas player can adapt as they sometimes play with less crowd support but Indian players are to a big crowd in every game.

“I don’t think there will be too much of an adjustment for the overseas players. A lot of the overseas players play in front of small crowds or even empty grounds on a regular basis, so they will be used to that. But you are right, Indian players, I can’t remember. I mean Kohli, 10 years ago, most of those players have been around long enough now. They won’t struggle, but they will just wonder where they are and look for that energy in other ways,” Scott Styris said on the Cricket Connected Show on Star Sports.

Not playing cricket for 6 months is a huge loss: Ajit Agarkar

Former Indian fast bowler Ajit Agarkar also spoke on the issue and agreed that it will be awkward for the first couple of game but players would be happy that the tournament is finally happening.

“Might be a bit odd for the first couple of games, but at the end of the day, you are grateful enough that the tournament is taking place. A lot of these guys are at the peak of their careers, not having cricket for six months, that’s a huge loss when you are doing so well in your career. So, they will be very excited to actually play the tournament,” Agarkar said on the show.

The tournament is played under the guidelines and SOP’s provided by the BCCI. The apex board of cricket has made certain strict protocols regarding the insecure bubble and the franchises have been rigidly advised to follow the same. The final will be played on 10th November and the Indian players are expected to fly directly to Australia for the bilateral series.