Shikhar Dhawan opens up on being in bio-secure bubble, says 'need to be mentally strong'

Even as the IPL is about to commence in a calibrated manner, Delhi Capitals batsman Shikhar Dhawan opened up on the challenges being faced by the players while living in a bio-secure bubble and said "people have to be mentally strong." Looking at the bright side of it, the 34-year-old himself is not finding it difficult to adapt and said he is looking at this as an opportunity to 'blend' with his teammates.

"There are challenges of being in the bubble, you do not meet new people. Our team has an entertainment room, our franchise has looked after us, we are living like a family, it depends on the person how he sees the situation," Dhawan said in a press conference here on Sunday.

"It is an opportunity for me to blend with the team-mates. There are no outlets for going outside, people have to be mentally strong, for me it is an opportunity and I am sure I will explore it," he added.

READ: IPL 2020: Sneak peek into Mumbai Indians' 15,000sq-ft 'bio bubble' in Abu Dhabi hotel

Delhi Capitals training routine with Rishabh Pant, Shikhar Dhawan

On Wednesday, September 2, several Delhi Capitals players like Rishabh Pant, Shikhar Dhawan and Ajinkya Rahane were seen preparing themselves for the upcoming IPL 2020 season. While Rishabh Pant was seen honing his wicketkeeping abilities, Shikhar Dhawan was captured in pictures where he was perfecting his cover drives. Additionally, newly-joined Delhi Capitals batsman Ajinkya Rahane was found hitting the ‘sweet spot’ of his bat while batting in the nets.

READ: IPL 2020: Delhi Capitals share 'leaked footage' of Prithvi Shaw’s leg spin | Watch

Delhi Capitals in IPL 2020

The Capitals had finished third last season after losing to the eventual runners-up CSK in Qualifier 2. At the same time, a new look Delhi franchise (formerly known as Delhi Daredevils till the 2018 edition) had also made it to the playoffs for the first time after seven years. 

They will be hoping to climb two more steps this time around. Delhi will also have the services of two of their new recruits who are Team India's current Test specialists as well i.e. Ravichandran Ashwin and, Ajinkya Rahane.

Just like the previous edition, the Capitals will be led by the young skipper Shreyas Iyer and they will be hoping to go all the way this time around.

READ: MI schedule out: Mumbai Indians' full schedule, to take on CSK in IPL 2020 opener

READ: IPL 2020 Schedule Announced: CSK to face defending champs MI in opening clash at Abu Dhabi