Indian blind team set to return after more than a year

India captain Ajaykumar Reddy

The Ajaykumar Reddy-led Indian blind cricket team are set to play their first tournament after the Coronavirus-caused break, in Bangladesh from April 2. India will compete with Pakistan and Bangladesh for the tri-nation T20 tournament in Dhaka.

India, who will open their campaign against the host nation on April 2, last played three ODIs and as many T20Is against Nepal in December 2019.

"Though we got an opportunity to spend time with our family members due the lockdown, as a sportsman, it was difficult as we had to spend time without playing a single game till last month. Now, I want to play and I'm eagerly awaiting the opportunity in the upcoming tour," Reddy told Sunday mid-day from Kolkata on Saturday.

No fear

India's 17-member squad are undergoing a camp in Kolkata. When asked if the increasing COVID-19 cases worry him, Reddy said: "Dar ke wajahse kitne din ghar me rahenge? [For how many days should we stay home out of fear?] We will be taking all precautions by wearing masks, keeping safe distance, sanitising our hands etc. If we all follow the protocol sincerely, Coronavirus will not last long and life will be normal soon."

However, the Indian team, who will be leaving for Dhaka on April 1, will play their first match against Bangladesh the next day, without undergoing quarantine. Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) secretary John David confirmed the development.

"Quarantine is not necessary in Dhaka. They [Bangladesh Blind Cricket Council] allowed us. I don't think there is any risk. Yes, Coronavirus cases are increasing there too, but it's not in our hands. We will take utmost precautions," said David, who is also the chief selector of the team.

Meanwhile, Reddy is impressed with three new players selected in the team, who are in B1 category (fully blind players) - all-rounder Akshay Choudhary (from Nagpur), bowler Sujit Munda (Jharkhand) and batsman Akshay Borikar (Goa).

Pakistan, a big threat

Reddy is expecting a tough challenge from Pakistan. "They are a strong team. We have won four World Cups so far and each time we had to beat them in the final. Those who will make mistakes in the game, have to face the consequences. We are practising very hard to beat Pakistan," added Reddy.