The conditions are the same for both teams and we are not too bothered about it, says Bharat Arun
It has not come as a surprise for anyone who stays in Delhi that pollution has played spoilsport in hosting any sporting event in recent years.
It was only few days back in the second half of November that there were calls by environmentalists to cancel Delhi’s half marathon for similar reasons.
Team India skipper Virat Kohli got so concerned before the marathon that he even posted a video clip urging Delhiites to contribute in improving the situation in his home city. But on Sunday, when he was confronted with a situation at his hand, his reaction was different.
This despite the fact that he saw his own players and support staff wearing face masks for protection against pollution. Indians were accusing the visitors of making a fuss, and BCCI on its part vowed to write to its Sri Lankan counterpart about the incident.
However, Lankan coach Nic Pothas was clear in his thoughts that “extreme high pollution levels” were choking his players on the field. “We had players coming off the field and vomiting. There were oxygen cylinders in the change room. It’s not normal for players to suffer in that way while playing the game,” said Pothas after the second day’s play.
On the other hand, India’s bowling coach Bharat Arun was less than impressed with what happened inside. “Virat (Kohli) batted close to two days. He did not need a mask. We are focused on what we need to do. The conditions are the same for both teams and we are not too bothered about it,” came from a coach who was coach of the Hyderabad team last year in November when their match against Tripura was called off due to similar reasons by BCCI.
Not stopping there, Arun carried on to say that “his team was not too worried about the pollution”, thus hinting that it is duty of the visiting team to get adapted to pollution levels of Indian cities like the way they do when it comes to pitches.
“I think pollution is everywhere in our country. This pollution levels are serious in our country. I don’t think we were too worried about pollution. The BCCI scheduled this matches and our job is to get the best out of our team. Focus is more on that,” said Arun.
Asked if being a pace bowler himself he felt pity for two Lankan speedsters suffering out there, Arun just shrugged it off insensitively. “I don’t think we need to be thinking about what the opposition does. It’s their outlook. It’s their problem to keep their bowlers fit.”
However, Pothas described the dressing room scene when speedster Suranga Lakmal needed serious medical attention after he “continuously vomited” and match referee and all medical staff had gathered to assess the situation.
“There aren’t too many rules regarding pollution. What we are going to do tomorrow is in the hands of the match referee. They will have meetings tonight to put in some sort of a precedent if it happens like this tomorrow,” added the Lankan coach.
Many fans present at the Ferozeshah Kotla ground were upset of the visiting side’s walk out as they booed when they came out to bat after Indian declaration.
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