No 'garland welcome' for Team India at Colombo hotel in Sri Lanka

Team India’s 20-member squad has reached Sri Lanka and is currently undergoing a strict quarantine of three days at Colombo’s Taj Samudra hotel. Interestingly, this time there was no garland welcome at arrival for the players, support staff, and coaches. This news comes as a no-brainer considering the current pandemic situation in the country.

In the past two years or so, cricket has not been the same due to the COVID-19 virus. There are a lot more restrictions now and even crowds can’t get a glimpse of their favourite cricketers upon their arrival. With only security personnel and manager now being allowed to come near players, the garland welcome seemed a farfetched thought.

The Shikhar Dhawan-led Indian team will play three ODIs and as many T20Is against Sri Lanka starting on July 13. “Leave aside the garland ceremony, we could not even glimpse at the players. The team was not escorted from the front but the players were sent in their rooms from the back,” the General Manager of the hotel was quoted by Deccan Chronicle.

Not only India, but the Sri Lankan team (who are on a tour to England) will also have to undergo quarantine when they arrive on July 5. The General Manager concluded by saying, that it was an honor to have the players at their hotel. “Both teams – India and Sri Lanka (arriving from the UK tour on July 5) – will be in strict bio-bubble. They will be catered by the designated staff, who are also staying in the hotel. Players will have their food at certain specified places only.”

“This (pandemic) is a different war and we miss the welcoming ceremony this time. However, it is our pleasure and honour to host them,” he added.

Indian players gearing up for training in Sri Lanka

Although Rahul Dravid’s wish to get practice games got declined, the 20-member squad though will participate in the phased-out training which will be played from July 2 and July 4. After that, the team will start full training from July 5. The team has a good bunch of players with a nice blend of youth and experience in it.