Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma could be stranded when India resume training, BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal warns

Ace Indian players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma could be left stranded in COVID-19 pandemic-stricken Mumbai when senior cricketers start training again, BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal has warned as cricket, like other sports, starts crawling back to life after a prolonged break.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) could allow players to train outdoors as early as next week if Indian government eases down the strict lockdown measures. However, in Mumbai, where skipper Kohli and his limited-overs deputy Rohit are based, is expected to maintain stringent restriction measures. 

"For players like Kohli and Rohit, the restrictions are there in Mumbai and might stay," BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal told AFP.

Mumbai accounts for more than a third of India’s fatalities due to COVID-19 with almost 1,000 deaths, and the number of fresh cases is still on a rise.

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Dhumal said that following government’s talk of further easing the lockdown measures, “some skill-based training” outdoors could be a possibility in other parts of India.

International cricket and Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 are the high-profile sporting casualties of the dreaded coronavirus and cricketers, including Kohli, have been posting photographs and videos of their indoor training and other activities on social media platforms.

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Dhumal confirmed that the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru was working on a post-lockdown regime for players which would be taken up soon. 

"As of now, we are working, given the lockdown restrictions, through apps and online modes. The coaches and support staff are regularly in touch with the players," said Dhumal.

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"Everybody would be keen to hit the ground and the idea is whenever we are ready for cricket to resume, they (the players) are able to give their 100 per cent."

India have a tour of Sri Lanka scheduled in the month of June, however, it is likely to be called off.