We respect Ben Stokes' decision to take a break: Ajinkya Rahane

England all-rounder Ben Stokes took a break from cricket to look after his mental health last week. He got ruled out of the five-match Test series against India as well. England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), along with the players, have shown full support to Stokes in these tough times. India vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane has also come out in the cricketer’s support stating that team India respects his decision.

Ever since COVID-19 pandemic has taken over the world, it has become tough for the cricketers to spend life in the bio-bubble. The have not been allowed to come in contact with anyone outside and are restricted only to be in the hotel room and in the ground. This has affected many in terms of mental health and Rahane understands it has been tough for everyone, especially to stay away from the family in these times.

“Bio-bubble life is really challenging. From the players’ point of view, what Ben Stokes did, it was his call. You have got to understand the player’s mindset as well. It’s all about how we experience it. Because when you play at the highest level, you want to give your best, more than a hundred percent, and your mental health matters a lot. So we respect that. We respect his decision. I am sure his teammates also respect his decision,” he said while speaking to reporters.

Bubble life has been challenging for players, says Ajinkya Rahane

Ajinkya Rahane also felt that all should understand what a particular individual is going through given the difficult times around. He reckoned that it is tough for the players to give their best everytime they take the field while staying in the bubble. “I think it’s all about understanding the player’s headspace. You have to understand what the player is going through in that difficult moment. So we respect the decision, whatever he did, it was his call.

“But yes, it is tough, it is challenging as a player as a team to be in the bio-bubble continuously and give your best all the time takes a lot,” India’s vice-captain further added.