“I am learning Hindi and also a bit of Kannada,” says Mike Hesson
The whole world is strangled to the deadly pandemic of novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Citizens all over the world fled home as Governments closed borders to prevent the spread of the virus. But RCB’s Director of Cricket Operations Mike Hesson who is from New Zealand has had to stay in India.
The 45-year-old came to India earlier this month to begin his role as RCB’s Director of Cricket Operations. With India now facing a 21-day lockdown as a result of the pandemic, Hesson is spending most of his time in an apartment in Bengaluru and is surely making the most of this spare time.
Speaking to Sportstar, Hesson said he is using this opportunity to get a grasp of a couple of new languages.
“I am starting to learn a couple of languages. When you are fully immersed in life, it takes a backseat. I am trying to change myself and trying to learn a little bit of the local languages,” he said.
In addition to his coaching responsibilities, Hesson travels as a part of the commentary team. Now he is taking some time to learn the local languages.
“When you are in a different country, you try and learn its languages. I am learning Hindi and also a bit of Kannada. It’s a difficult language for sure, but I am trying my best to learn it,” Hesson added.
Hesson embraces the hospitality that RCB has shown towards him. “I have been well taken care of by RCB. I am still working. I am watching some cricket videos, taking down notes and planning for the season and beyond,” Hesson said.
Hesson also mentioned how difficult it is staying away from family during such a crisis. “I call them at least twice a day. No doubt, I would have loved being at home with my girls, but that’s not possible, everyone is in a difficult position now.”
Hesson talks about how the scenario has changed in the weeks since he arrived in India. “I was pretty busy from my work perspective. Once there was a lockdown here, there was also a lockdown in New Zealand. So, the situation had changed all over the world pretty drastically. Everyone knew what’s going to happen, but at that point of time, there were no flights and also no reason to go home…”
“I would be in isolation anyway. That way, I am safe in Bengaluru and well looked after. We all are going through a tough time and living far away from family at this time is very challenging,” Hesson said.
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