‘Not upset as everyone is in the same boat’

It is not unusual for any individual to be demoralised and frustrated during the coronavirus pandemic that has seen the world come to a standstill.

Like the general population, the national cricketers are now far removed from their regular lifestyle, which revolves around playing cricket. While it is usual to be upset about being away from a beloved activity for such a long period, Bangladesh batsman Mohammad Mithun has remained positive.

"I do not see anything to be very upset about right now. Because this situation is true for the entire world. I would only be upset if cricket is being played as usual and I was somehow unable to play. The feeling that I am not able to play while others are playing is the thing that would be upsetting," explained Mithun.

The 29-year-oldhas had to adjust to difficult situations throughout his career. And adaptability was on Mithun's mind as he said now is the time to keep himself ready so that as soon as cricket returns, he can adjust quickly.

"There is nothing to be upset about. Instead, it is now very important and challenging to keep myself ready,so that whenever cricket returns, I can also return and adjust -- mentally, physically and skill-wise --quickly and recover from the huge gap," said Mithun.

The right-hander, who is yet to cement his place in the national squad, also mentioned that he never regretted anything as he reflected on his cricketing career.

"To be honest, I do not regret much. I can usually shrug off disappointments and do not regret much about anything as regretting would not be of much benefit to me. If I keep regretting, then I would not be able to give my 100 per cent in my future endeavours. It is true that all players want their position in the team to be stable and to cement their place, and I am no different.

"Actually. I have made mistakes. Sometimes luck did not favour me. I think in cricket luck plays a big role. I can work hard and give my all but still I cannot guarantee that I will score a century. You can get out because of a run-out, or a misjudgement by the umpire or you might even fall prey to an excellent delivery even after scoring 30 runs and being set at the crease. And then again there are some mistakes that I made, avoiding which I could have been in a better position in my career now," admitted Mithun.

The right-hander also went on to mention that the players in the subcontinent usually have to deal with pressure from the crowd and the media, which also affects their game. However, Mithun accepted that it is their duty as professional cricketers to deal with everything and be unfazed when they play.

Mithun is now helping his family members in household chores and is looking after his two children. While he is enjoying every bit of familytime, the batsman was positive about the domestic season resuming and for cricket to return, be it even behind closed doors, but obviously by taking all precautions.

"It [playing cricket behind closed doors and in a crowd-less stadium] is going to be a new thing. But the situation and the virus is also a novel one. It might look different but it is important that cricket resumes.

"And ensuring safety is also important. It is better to play in an empty stadium than to spread infection by playing amid thousands of fans," said Mithun, who also thought that much like the initiatives taken in major European football leagues and also in the international cricket arena, players in the country also need to be tested for coronavirus before resuming any form of sport.