The last time I filled out so many papers was during my Class XII Board exams: Ravi Ashwin on his journey from Chennai to Dubai

Ace off-spinner and a new addition to the Delhi Capitals’ squad, Ravi Ashwin has been gearing up well to deliver his class during the upcoming season of IPL 2020. Due to the ongoing pandemic, BCCI has laid its ultimate guidelines to be followed by each and every member in order to conduct smooth running of the big league. Players and staff have been walking the extra mile to get things done as per the latest safety norms and procedures.

Amid this, the senior spinner has shared his lengthy and exhausting journey from his hometown Chennai to the venue nation, United Arab Emirates. He also revealed that he was a little worried due to BCCI’s strict directive for players as they will be allowed to take a flight only after testing negative for COVID-19.

The 33-year-old revealed on this YouTube page, “While I was in Chennai, I had practiced for a while, wore a mask, and followed social distancing. But still, I had this fear deep down. Because testing negative for coronavirus was deemed crucial, as per IPL protocol. If we don’t test negative, BCCI had asked us to stay home and come for IPL only when we test negative.”

The south Indian revealed that he was tested four times in the course of 10 days, and it was only then he was given nod from BCCI to take a travel. The whole squad reached Mumbai and flew for Dubai in a chartered plane with the utmost protection.

The journey from Chennai to Mumbai was very scary: Ravi Ashwin

“So, you must have seen my travel from Chennai to Mumbai. It was like Mission Mars, we wore PPE kits, masks, visors. It was very difficult. It was scary, thinking about how we would get there. I was sweating a lot.”

On reaching Dubai, the off-spinner disclosed that they were tested again for both nasal and throat swab. The lengthy paperwork, closed shops, and no buzz at the airport was a disheartening sight.

“Then you get instant approval, like getting receipts from ration stores. The last time I filled out so many papers was during my Class XII Board exams. After submitting all certificates, we got the green light,” concluded the great bowler.

Here’s the video