This too shall pass: Umesh
Even before you ask him how he is holding up amid this lockdown, cricketer Umesh Yaadav straightaway confesses that he misses “being on the ground with teammates, giving our 100% to win each match”.
Though disheartened at cancellation or postponement of cricketing tournaments, including IPL, Yaadav, 32, emphasises that more than anything else, it’s important to follow guidelines at this time of crisis.
“IPL is celebrated like a festival. It is an important series as we get to play along with players from all over the world. This pandemic is a threat and the tournaments will happen when they have to, with all the security measures in place,” he says, adding that though everyone has been affected, “I’m sure this too shall pass. You just need to stay home, stay safe and follow the precautionary rules.”
Yaadav also reveals that he got stuck in Delhi amid sudden announcement of lockdown and has been staying here since then. “Actually, I had come for some work and it (lockdown) was announced, so I’m here, waiting for all this to get over soon,”he tells us. Even during his unplanned stay in the Capital, the cricketer is making sure he doesn’t lose touch with teammates. “I’m in touch with most of them, and we generally talk about the situation, and how we’re spending our time. We also cherish the memories and most importantly, motivate one another to stay positive,” Yaadav shares. The cricketer is also ensuring that his fitness doesn’t go for a toss, and he is continuing his body weight training, among other things. “Life somewhere has come to a standstill. I’m watching movies, TV shows, helping wife in kitchen, doing house hold chores and keeping myself occupied,” Yaadav signs off.