DR Rob Young, Rajasthan Royals team doctor, is the team’s latest recruit. A sports medicine specialist, Young was in the bio-bubble during the recent England home series against the West Indies and the Test against Pakistan at Old Trafford. Excerpts from an interview:
Q/What are the medical protocols in place?
A /First, we need to make sure that everyone adheres to the [protocols]. We have several tools put in place to help with that and remind us daily to do a checklist. Second, there is a practical approach to looking after everyone in the hotel environment and in training. We will regularly remind them of the procedures and rules to follow and make sure that the training is according to IPL regulations and is done in a safe way. Finally, there will also be the management of injuries within the bubble and regulations have been set out.
Q/How will the length of the tournament affect the players?
A /It is a long tournament. I have been working at both a rugby club and a county cricket team, and then with the England cricket team at Old Trafford. So, I have already worked in a bubble. My role as a doctor is to help them (players and officials) remember those regulations, answer any queries, and [along with physiotherapist] John [Gloster], with his sports medicine input, look after the players. We must not forget that we are here to play cricket and we need to make sure that everything is safe. As we move on and transition into training, the players would be more aware of the rules themselves. Then we will try to focus on cricket.
Q/What are the best practices for players during a match or in training?
A /During the training and in match situations, the players should try to keep themselves relatively distant, particularly in training. They should maintain their distance and not engage in celebrations with others after picking a wicket. Then [there is] looking after the ball. Traditionally, everyone uses saliva on the ball, but now they cannot. So, they will really need to change the way they do things.
Another aspect would be looking after the kits and making sure they are kept clean. Once back in the dressing room, it is important that they keep their distance and drink only from their own bottles. Also, they should shower back at the hotels rather than in the changing room.