One Year Of Lockdown: Indian cricketers who developed cooking, cleaning and other skills

As we near the first anniversary of the nationwide lockdown, today we look at cricketers and their unique skills obtained during the last year

Yuvraj Singh and Hazel Keech, Sachin and Anjal Tendulkar, Shikhar and Aesha Dhawan. Pictures/ Yogen Shah

Ever heard of the song 'Pressure Creates Diamonds' by Fearless Motivation? Well, the song turned out to be more relatable to the people of India when the Coronavirus pandemic led to a nationwide lockdown on March 24, 2020. It's been a year since the coronavirus-induced lockdown was imposed and people have since, come out of their comfort zones, albeit mostly, at home.

Attaining your needs and wants became a far fetched phenomenon and people began to look no further than themselves and worked towards becoming self-efficient. With most industries closed, people resorted to finding their inner talents and honing different skills, which they might otherwise have never discovered before. From cooking, hairstyling, home decor, DIYs, house-cleaning, carpentry and fixing appliances became popular activities.

The COVID-19 pandemic also led to the shut down of sporting activities as most events either got cancelled or postponed. Cricket, which is like a religion in India, did not see the light of day for the better part of 2020. With no room to focus on their main profession, many cricketers looked to explore undiscovered skills of their own. These cricketers went on to share videos and photos of their new-found talents that they put to use at home, including singing and dancing, playing other sports.

As we near the first anniversary of the nationwide lockdown, here's a look at cricketers who discovered unique skills during the lockdown last year.

--Jasprit Bumrah--

"Using this time to reflect on the aspects of my life that are truly important and picking up some new hobbies along the way. 🌱 #AmateurGardener #StayHome"

"My modified mobility drills are keeping the house clean and my mother very happy. PS: Yes, I had to do a Round 2 with no slippers on."

--Shreyas Iyer--

"Quaran-team! Bringing the house down with @shresta_04 🕺💃"

"Fielding practice is everywhere you look."

--Shikhar Dhawan--

"Life after one week at home. Reality hits hard 🤪 @aesha.dhawan5"

"Ho gayi shaam jaane do jaana hai 😉😜😘 @aesha.dhawan5 #JeetendraJi"

"Life is so much fun with this mastikhor insaan! Sachi bolu toh daddy aur beta dono hi cool! 😎 Love this little one."

"Some quarantine fun and entertainment just for you guys.. 🤣 Thank you @aesha.dhawan5 for making everyday so much fun. 🤗."

"Dance ki asli jodi 😄😄 Like father, like son!"

--Harbhajan Singh--

"Master chef 👨‍🍳 Aloo Gobhi ready😋"

Master chef 👨‍🍳

"What's cooking chef 👨‍🍳 @stephenfleming.7"

Bhajji cutting up some 'bhaaji' (coriander)

--Rohit Sharma--

The Mumbai batsman sharing a video of a day in his life during the lockdown.

--Sachin Tendulkar--

"From playing square cuts 🏏 to doing my own hair cuts 💇🏻‍♂️, have always enjoyed doing different things. ‪How's my new hairdo 💁🏻‍♂️ looking @aalimhakim & @nandan_v_naik?"

"Me with my plants 🌱... a special connection I treasure. All of us can do with more green around us."

"As a father you need to do everything, be it playing games with your kids, gyming with them or for that matter cutting their hair. However, the haircut 💇‍♂️ turns out you'll always be handsome @arjuntendulkar24 😀 Special thanks to my salon assistant @saratendulkar."

"A 🥭 Surprise for our Wedding Anniversary. Made this Mango Kulfi as a surprise for everyone at home on our 25th wedding anniversary. 🥭 ☺️"

"The growing issue of food waste is a concern as there are millions who go without food every day. Here's me doing my bit towards Zero Food Waste. Also check out how my friends from DBS have taken on the challenge of Zero Food Waste and have sparked a better world in the new episode of #DBSSparks 🎥 ➡️ @dbsbankindia."

"Don't wait for a special day to plant a tree. The best time is now."

"Coffee ☕️ has always BEAN a good friend! 😋 #InternationalCoffeeDay #coffee."

--Ajinkya Rahane--

"Today's dinner: Coriander Rice 😋 Awaiting feedback from @radhika_dhopavkar #HomeCooking."

"A small step for sustainability 🌱 Our planet is a lot more beautiful when it's green. Let's keep it that way... #EarthDay2020 #StayAtHomeSaveLives."

--Mayank Agarwal--

‪"Came up with a healthier option for dinner. Spinach and Mushroom Quinoa courtesy Chef Mayank! 😉👨🏽‍🍳‬ ‪#stayhomestaysafe #stayawarestaysafe ‬#stayhealthyandfit #addingnewskills #cooking."

"Just made this avocado - banana smoothie and trust me, it is mint 😉👌🏼 Recipe credits: @chahatkathotia #smoothiecriminal #smoothie #healthy #quarantinechef."

"I don't bowl, but I certainly can make a smoothie bowl 😉 #Smoothie #QuarantineChef #HealthyAtHome."

--Yuvraj Singh--

"A partnership is all about making each other's lives easy, to help each other grow and foster love. So when it comes to sharing the load at home, we see it as an opportunity to not only get chores done but reinvent our relationship. Here's a gentle reminder from me, @ariel.india and @hazelkeechofficial to #ShareTheLoad and #MultiplyTheLove. Start today, start with anything. But let's do it."

A lot has happened since then. Indian cricketers went on to participate in the IPL 2020 edition which was held in the UAE. Mumbai Indians went on to win their record fifth title. Team India then faced a touring England cricket team in a four-match Test series which they won 3-1. They are currently in the middle of a five-match T20I series which will be followed by a three-match ODI series and the IPL 2021 edition next month.