IPL 2020: After 10-day quarantine, Mumbai Indians have gala time at recreation centre in Abu Dhabi

Mumbai Indians players and support staff let their hair down at a sprawling 15,000 square foot-recreation centre in Abu Dhabi on Sunday after completing their mandatory 10-day quarantine period upon arrival in the UAE for Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020.

In what is being seen as a team-bonding exercise after the challenging stay inside hotel rooms, Rohit Sharma’s men had a gala time at the ‘Team Room’ which is in sync with Mumbai Indians’ bio-secure bubble in the UAE.

In photos shared by Mumbai Indians, skipper Rohit Sharma, head coach Mahela Jayawardene, the Pandya brothers among others can be seen having fun at the Team Room. Hardik and Krunal were seen singing during the session while the likes of Dhawal Kulkarni and Suryakumar Yadav were spotted with their partners.

The recreation centre also has an indoor theatre, pool table, table tennis kits, lounge and other fun games to help the players relax during the course of IPL 2020.

#OneFamily time for our Mum-boys! #MumbaiIndians #MI #Dream11IPL @adu97 @surya_14kumar @dhawal_kulkarni pic.twitter.com/tJiiAOwrYB

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) August 31, 2020

Mumbai Indians began outdoor training in Abu Dhabi last week. While they started off with an evening session, Rohit Sharma’s men had an afternoon session over the weekend. MI and Kolkata Knight Riders are the only two teams to have camped in Abu Dhabi in the lead up to IPL 2020.

Photo Courtesy: Mumbai Indians

Photo Courtesy: Mumbai Indians

Photo Courtesy: Mumbai Indians

Several Mumbai Indians players, including captain Rohit Sharma, have travelled to the UAE accompanied by their close ones.

All the players and the team support staff of the 8 franchises underwent a mandatory quarantine period during which they gave 3 Covid-19 PCR tests. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said 13 people, including 2 players, from Chennai Super Kings, tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

IPL 2020 will be played from September 19 to November 10 across three cities in the UAE – Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah. Mumbai Indians are likely to feature in the opening game of the much-anticipated tournament.