Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma is looking forward to a six-month period without competitive cricket.
Sharma hasn't played since early February, after being sidelined by a calf injury sustained during India's T20I series against New Zealand.
His career will resume next month, when the Mumbai Indians' Indian Premier League starts in the United Arab Emirates.
Sharma is the captain of the Mumbai Indians, who are the reigning champions. Mumbai beat the Chennai Super Kings in the 2019 final.
“It's the longest gap that I have ever had in my career without holding a bat,” Rohit told PTI.
“It will be a bit challenging. Unless I play, I will not know where I am and how I feel, but body is completely fine. I feel physically more strong than ever because of the last four months.
“We have lot of time in our hands. I will be taking it slowly. Luckily, I don't think there is any rush that I need to show. We have enough time. I will work on getting back to the ground slowly because the temperature in Dubai is 40 degrees. It's not easy.
“Your planning changes a lot. Pitches in Dubai are a bit on the slower side. The pitches are not so different from India, but yes overhead conditions will be a big factor as you are not always used to playing in 40 degrees, which can be a bit of a challenge.
“As much as we sit and plan things here, it could completely change once we are there and check out the conditions and then think about ideal combinations.”
Mumbai's Other Stars
Sharma will lead a Mumbai team lined with experienced stars such as Sri Lanka fast bowler Lasith Malinga, West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard, New Zealand fast bowler Trent Boult – and plenty of Indian talent.
“I believe in a theory that when you are captain, you are the least important person. Others become more important in the larger scheme of things. It works differently for different leaders, but as far as I am concerned, this theory works for me in the IPL,” he added.
Mumbai and Chennai will contest the first match of the 2020 IPL on 19 September.