T20 superstars, Chris Gayle and Kieron Pollard, have both spoken of the mental strain the bio-secure environment could have on players with the two players giving their own experiences dealing with the stringent regulations.
The two players have been part of the West Indies 18-man squad that played three home series followed by the Caribbean Premier League and the Indian Premier League.
Gayle, though, decided to take a break from the IPL after two matches. The two players will now be part of the West Indies side for the T20I World Cup from October 17.
When asked about his challenges dealing with the bubble on Tuesday during a media engagement, the West Indies captain, Pollard admitted it has been difficult.
“I’m fighting, I’m trying to look beyond certain things and you know as an individual sometimes it sort of gets to you not being able to be free, moving from one tournament to a next, it’s been a bit difficult at times but we a job at hand,” he said.
The skipper added that being the leader of the side, he tries to get himself in the best shape “mentally, physically, emotionally, each and everything so I can lead to the best of my ability.”
Meanwhile Gayle, acknowledged that he was fatigued and needed some time in a different environment.
“It’s not easy and its actually tough being in a bubble, not being able to be on the outside based on what’s happening, we all understand that but at the same time it can play on your mind a bit and it can become a mental situation so you have to be pretty mentally tough,” he reckoned.
The self-proclaimed ‘Universe Boss’ added, “It was like you’re bringing into a sort of depression so you just want a sort of breather to be in a different environment rather than being locked away for a long time.”
The 42-year-old continued, “As sportsmen it is something we have to deal with and we try and modify it as much as possible…we try to do team activities to keep the mind occupied as much as possible and whatever makes you feel comfortable that’s important.”
However, Gayle pointed out that it can be both negative and positive to be playing so much cricket. For players in a drought, the matches can serve as an avenue to find form and get runs and wickets under their belt but on the other hand, it can “be a little bit fatiguing by playing too many cricket, in too many games and burn out as well.”
