Babar echoes Ravi Shastri’s sentiments, says bubble life can leave the players drained

India had a poor outing in the 20-20 World Cup and were knocked out from the league stage itself. Post the exit, outgoing coach Ravi Shastri said that living in continuous bubbles over the last six months left the players exhausted and a break between the IPL and 20-20 World Cup could have helped the team.

Shastri’s views have got support from Pakistan skipper Babar Azam who admitted that living in bio-bubble is challenging for the players. “Look they are always ups and downs in professional cricket but yes players do get disturbed and uncomfortable by remaining constantly in a bio-secure bubble environment,” Babar told a virtual press conference ahead of his team’s semifinal clash against Australia on Thursday.

“We have tried to counter that by working as a group and trying to support each other in the Pakistan team,” he said.

Babar also revealed how Pakistan players coped up with the challenges of bubble life and said the players had counseling sessions to deal with the same. “We all try to talk to each other all the time in groups and help out each other by lifting each other and it allows us to relax and encourage as well,” he added.

Pakistan have been on a rampage in the 20-20 World Cup and is the only team that is yet to taste defeat so far. Babar credited clarity of roles for Pakistan’s winning run in the showpiece event. “Everyone takes responsibility, everyone’s role is clear. In the semifinals, we want to continue positively but it is all about how you perform on the day.