Namaste could replace handshakes: Ajinkya Rahane

NEW DELHI (AFP): Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane has opined that Namaste and clapping could replace handshakes and high-fives when cricket resumes after coronavirus pandemic.

In an online interview today (Thursday), Ajinkya Rahane predicted many changes on and off the field after the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The Indian batsman said, “I think we might go back to the good old days when fielders would still stand in their designated positions after the fall of a wicket and clap.”

Referring to Indian greeting, Ajinkya Rahane said, “Maybe handshakes will be replaced by a Namaste,” adding, “However, once sport resumes, you can’t take anything for granted.”

“The safety of the fans will be of utmost importance. There will be changes in lifestyle while traveling,” Ajinkya Rahane added.

The Indian cricketer also said, “We would need almost three to four weeks of proper practice before playing any kind of competitive game,” adding, “I am missing my batting. But obviously, cricket should only start when we get a vaccine to prevent the virus.”

The COVID-19 outbreak has brought the sporting world to a halt. Major sports events around the world are canceled or postponed due to the ongoing pandemic. The 2020 Olympics has also been postponed for a year and cricket’s richest club tournament, the Indian Premier League, delayed indefinitely.