IPL 2020 | Players need to get used to saliva ban, says Zaheer Khan

IPL 2020 | Players need to get used to saliva ban, says Zaheer Khan

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Zaheer Khan wants players to be careful

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Mumbai Indians

Mumbai Indians Director of Cricket Operations Zaheer Khan has asked the players to be very careful and get habituated to not using saliva on the ball. He added that it feels good to be back on the ground again ahead of the 2020 IPL, which for MI will start with a clash against CSK on September 19th.

The novel Coronavirus has brought about many changes in the way cricket is being played during a global pandemic. As per new rules of the International Cricket Council (ICC), players aren't allowed to use saliva on the ball as it can serve as a means to spread Covid-19 amongst cricket players. However, in lieu of the same, Mumbai Indians' Director of Cricket Operations Zaheer Khan has asked players to be extra careful and make sure that old habits don't creep in, which is to use saliva on the ball given the dangers it brings to the sport. 

"Cricket balls and all that, yes, we have to be a little careful and get used to not using the saliva as well. So old habits, at times, just creeps in as bowlers so we will have to be mindful of that," Zaheer was quoted as saying by ANI as MI put a video on Twitter.

The 41-year-old also stated that players need to find their groove and have to be in a mental space which is ideal for them going into the tournament. 

"When you are a professional athlete you have to find a way of keeping that mental space which you like to be in. It varies individually so that is something which every individual has to take care of and own that individual space," the former Indian pacer said.

The 13th edition of the IPL will be played from September 19 till November 10 in the UAE across three venues -- Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. Rohit Sharma's Mumbai Indians will clash with the now retired MS Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings on September 19 and Khan, a World Cup-winner, feels that it is great to be back on the field and players won't take much time before adjusting to the new routines in times of Covid-19.

"I would not say that it is going to be difficult as such it is just a matter of getting used to the new routines and the preparation routines are going to change. You have to keep up with that. It just feels good to be back again out on the field," Zaheer added.

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