Virat Kohli worried about impact of extended stay in bio-secure bubbles

India captain says mental health likely to get affected after months in relative isolation

Virat Kohli will move from one bio-secure bubble in the UAE for IPL 2020 to the next in Australia. Sportzpics for BCCI

India captain Virat Kohli said the mental toll that comes with spending long periods in bio-secure bubbles should be taken into account when the length of tours are being decided.

Playing inside securer bubbles has become the new normal for teams since the coronavirus pandemic disrupted sports in March.

Kohli has spent the last two-and-half months in a bubble in the UAE, leading Royal Challengers Bangalore's challenge in the Indian Premier League.

Immediately after the conclusion of the IPL, Kohli will enter another bio-bubble in Australia where India play six short-form internationals followed by four Tests.

"These things will have to be considered," Kohli told RCB TV ahead of their eliminator against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Abu Dhabi on Friday.

"Like, what length of the tournament or series one is going to play, and what impact it will have on players mentally, to stay in a similar environment for 80 days and not getting to do anything different."

Kohli said he and his Bangalore team mates enjoyed the time together in the bubble but admitted monotony was an issue.

"These things have to be seriously thought about," said Kohli, who celebrated his 32nd birthday on Thursday inside the bubble.

________________

Anushka Sharma watches Kohli's RCB qualify for playoffs