Rajasthan Royals skipper Steve Smith says that he is disappointed to play Indian Premier League outside India.
The IPL will be played in UAE due to coronavirus pandemic. Since the number of cases in India is increasing, the tournament will be held in UAE.
The Australian Batter recently said that it will be difficult for all the batters to adapt but the same is what expected from the professional cricketer.
“I think part of being a professional cricketer is to adapt to any condition you are faced with and that is going to be the clear message from the coaching staff,” Smith told reporters via videoconference after special premiere of Rajasthan Royals’ documentary ‘Inside Story’ — a three-part documentary series produced by Red Bull Media House — which showcases the team’s 2019 IPL campaign.
“Conditions in Dubai can be similar to what you get in India or it can be different, it’s about adapting on the run to what the condition suits. Couple of players obviously have experience of playing there before. The IPL was there in 2014 I think, so a lot of people have played IPL there before.
“I think guys will be just jumping out of their skins to play some quality cricket. Obviously it’s disappointing that it’s not in India. We would have absolutely loved to play there,” he added.
Smith also felt that it will be challenging for all the players to return to the game after a long gap due to coronavirus pandemic.
“Yeah, it has been challenging. A lot of players haven’t played any cricket. From that point of view it will be an even contest,” Smith said.
“Everybody will be going in with the same sort of preparation which is nice. It has been incredibly different times and guys are trying to get their cricket back in any way possible.
“It certainly is going to be very exciting when IPL rolls around that’s for sure,” he added.
IPL is all set to begin by the first week of September and it will go ahead till November. The date of the final is yet to be discussed.
