IPL 2020: It will be about mentally adapting to the new normal, reckons Hussey

Dubai - 'Mr.Cricket,' feels that CSK have a bit of an advantage as they have experienced players in their ranks.

The world isn't the same as we know it and for the cricketers who have assembled in the UAE for the IPL, it is a new experience to live in isolation and be part of a bio bubble.
And former Australian cricketer and Chennai Super Kings batting coach Michael Hussey feels that this season will be more about mentally adapting to the 'new normal' as they compete for silverware.
The Chennai Super Kings, three-time champions of the IPL, have been training hard ahead of the tournament opener, which pits them against defending champions the Mumbai Indians.
The teams square off at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on September 19.
And Hussey, known as 'Mr.Cricket,' feels that CSK have a bit of an advantage as they have experienced players in their ranks and said that it would be about looking out for each other and looking after each other.
"I think it is going to be huge, to be honest. I think it is going to be tough and a real challenge for all the players and the support staff," Hussey said about the new normal.
"It is something that we have never experienced before. So, we are going to have to adapt and I think that's where CSK has maybe got a little bit of an advantage because we have got very experienced players that understand their own game, understand themselves as people probably better than the young guys so we have got to look out for each other, help each other and we have got to hope that we mentally can deal with it because that is going to be a big part of doing well in this tournament," he added.
Hussey, who also represented CSK as a player before joining their coaching set-up, said that the physical and mental aspects will be key.
"It is always a mental game but you need the physical talent as well. We are going to have to play well as a team. Every team is strong in this competition, so it is going to be tough. The mental side of the game is going to be very important, obviously the mental side in the game but then also dealing with the isolation and being stuck in a hotel, outside the game as well.
"It is going to be really challenging for everyone. As I said, we are going to have to look out for each other and look after each other," said Hussey, who played 79 Tests, 185 ODIs and 38 T20Is for Australia.
Hussey was delighted with how the lads are shaping up, especially after such a long break from cricket.
"Bit of a dodgy start, obviously. We had to quarantine for a bit extra but now I think we are on the right track. All the negative tests and we are into training now, the boys are actually looking good even after a long break. They are getting rid of all the rustiness and they are looking in good form. So, excited," the 45-year-old said.
"Look, I've been really impressed with the guys, the way they have approached their training has been excellent. They are very keen, obviously. And I must admit, I was expecting everyone to be a bit more rusty than what they are. But the boys are in good shape so, fingers crossed, we can take that form onto the field," he added.
james@khaleejtimes.com

• IPL 2019