One cannot let pollution come in the way of playing, says Shikhar Dhawan

Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan recently expressed his opinions about the ongoing Delhi Test and the smog that has been making the headlines. Ever since the Sri Lankan team wore masks on the second day, the smog seems to have grabbed the attention of all. Delhi is not the cleanest when it comes to pollution levels and that is a very well known fact. However, Dhawan feels that as cricketers, it is their duty to focus only on the game and not let anything come in the way of their game.

On the penultimate day of the match, even the Indian fielders were seen struggling. Vijay Shankar kept coming as the substitute fielder on various occasions. Also, pacer Mohammad Shami was seen throwing up due to the uneasiness. Commenting on Shami, as per the quotes in Sportstarlive, Dhawan noted that the pacer is absolutely fine and will be in action on the final day.

“This is the time of crop harvesting in some of the states and this month the pollution has been a wee bit more. Also this time, we haven’t experienced good sunshine. May be if there was sunshine, pollution would have been less. I don’t think playing cricket was a problem. As far as (Mohammed) Shami is concerned, he is fine and you will see him in action tomorrow,” said Shikhar Dhawan.

On playing in these conditions

Dhawan further remarked that not all players playing in the Indian team are from Delhi. Hence, not all of them are accustomed to playing in such conditions. Despite this fact, the players are giving their hundred per cent on the field. Shikhar Dhawan feels that the players should not let anything come in the way of playing cricket. Playing is the duty of the players and they should do it with utmost respect.

“There are a lot of players in our team who are not used to this pollution thing in Delhi as they come from other states. But if you have been assigned a job (to play), you can’t let anything come in its way. That’s my thinking because not everyone in our team is from Delhi. The situation is same for them also,” quoted the Indian opener.

“If you are playing in Delhi at some other point of time, the pollution won’t affect you. I would never say that there is no pollution in Delhi. Of course there is pollution, but during the winters as there is a lot of smog, so whatever the situation is, we need to adjust accordingly. When you are playing for country, you have to do your job,” he added further.

On Sri Lankan players feeling uneasy

Shikhar Dhawan further spoke about the Sri Lankan players. The Sri Lankan team was seen wearing masks whilst fielding on the second day of the Test match. Many complained about the respiratory problems they faced. Commenting on this, Dhawan hinted that perhaps there is less pollution in their nation since it is a natural place with a lot of beaches. He, however, insisted, that the players should do their duty.

“May be they are uncomfortable. May be there is less pollution in Sri Lanka. There are more beaches in Sri Lanka. It’s natural that a city surrounded by beaches won’t have pollution. As I said, I won’t hide that there is pollution in Delhi. Now if it’s there, it’s there. But still I would insist that we should do our duty – that is to play cricket,” conceded Dhawan.