IPL 2021: Hopefully we can maintain strong bio-secure environment in UAE, says RCB skipper Virat Kohli

Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Virat Kohli hopes for a “secure” bio-bubble in the UAE leg of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 to tackle the “uncertain” Covid-19 times. Kohli further said it is unfortunate to end up here early for the IPL after a Covid-19 outbreak led to the cancellation of the fifth Test against England.

Kohli arrived in Dubai on Sunday (12 September) after the fifth and final Test between India and England was called off. Notably, The Indian team decided not to take the field at Old Trafford, which led to the cancellation and eventual postponement of the Manchester Test.

“Unfortunate that we had to end up here early, but with COVID in place, things are very uncertain,” Kohli told the RCB’s digital media platforms.

Bold Diaries: Virat Kohli & Mohammed Siraj join RCB

“The replacement players have great skillsets, especially in these conditions. Excited to see them with the whole group & to resume a very good season that we started last time around,” says captain Kohli.#PlayBold #IPL2021 pic.twitter.com/VvqKN3qhLo

— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) September 13, 2021

“Anything can happen at any time. Hopefully, we’re able to maintain a good, strong, and secure environment, and have a quality IPL.

“It’s going to be an exciting phase and a very important one for us at RCB and then for the Indian team at the T20 World Cup,” the Indian captain said.

Virat Kohli happy with new signings in the RCB squad

The IPL begins on Sunday and RCB will play their first match on Monday. The RCB will have some exciting new additions to their squad including leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga and Singapore batter Tim David. The skipper is looking forward to meeting the new recruits.

“I’ve been in touch with everyone. We’ve had discussions over the last month or so, a little longer than that with the replacements, who’s coming and who’s not. Eventually, we ended up replacing our key players with some top-quality cricketers,” the RCB skipper said.

He believes that replacement players will fit into the system perfectly.

“Our key players will be missed, and they are a part of the family, but the people coming in as well have great skill sets, especially for these conditions.

“So, I’m very excited to see them, with the whole group at practice and certainly very excited to resume a very good season that started last time around,” he said.