As promised things have changed in the India Cricket, but rather too fast than expected, behold, the Dada of indian Cricket, presently the Boss of BCCI, Sourav Ganguly. Firstly after Dada’s take-over even the series with Bangladesh was in dark clouds as the Bangla Cricketers were on a strike. Then after the strike got resolved another storm hit Bangladesh cricket as their Ace player Shakib al Hasan was banned by the ICC. But all was resolved soon and the BCB agreed to tour with new Captains and with an inexperienced team. Things weren’t done as of yet, as the BCCI President Sourav Ganguly proposed the second Test match at Eden Gardens which was supposed to be a normal red ball affair to turn it into a Day/Night match and successfully convinced the BCB. Later he held a meeting with the Indian Team Leadership group, headed by the Skipper Virat Kohli, who agreed to the idea within 3 seconds, as told by Sourav Ganguly himself, in a presser.
How’s the josh?
BCCI President, Sourav Ganguly stated the city is ready for the pink ball extravaganza and he also revealed the list of dignitaries who will be present at the venue for this blockbuster clash. The entire city has gone pink. In the evening, a lot of important buildings, parks and areas around Eden Gardens has gone pink.
In the Eden Gardens, one can see the entire stadium has changed, a pink blimp is set up high in the sky, clearly visible from miles away, gorgeous cricket murals adorning the walls around the stadium, and the lights in the Jagmohan Dalmiya and Sourav Ganguly stands got a pink hue but the swag doesn’t end there.
As the Historic day approaches, Sourav Ganguly & Co. have spared nothing to create a stirring buzz. There’s been instant gratification for all the efforts too, in the form of rapid ticket sales that has seen the first four days of the Test being sold out already. Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee will ring the bell before the start of play, while paratroopers will fly in to deliver the pink balls to the two captains at the start of Today’s match.
List of dignitaries
Sourav Ganguly told official broadcaster Star Sports that the players from first Test match between India and Bangladesh in 2000 will be there.
Former Captains and important personalities will be seen.
The Prime Minister of Bangladesh will be present.
The Chief Minister of West Bengal will be seen.
Lastly, some of the achievers in other sports like Mary Kom, PV Sindhu, Abhinav Bindra, Sania Mirza, Pullela Gopichand and Bajrang Punia will be present as well.
Who said what?
“It’s a nice occasion. We were already excited about this Test. Like I said, it’s a challenge for us. I think before this, we had this much excitement and buzz in Eden when we played against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup in 2016. Even then there had been big names and there was a felicitation ceremony and there was a packed stadium. So I think it’ll be that kind of atmosphere. It can be daunting or intimidating, but it’s also very exciting.” – Virat Kohli.
“It could almost have a T20 or a one-day atmosphere. There will be a big crowd and Indian players are so recognised wherever they go. So Kohli walking out to bat will feel like a T20. If those guys get going, there will be an atmosphere that probably no player has played in Test match conditions” – Daniel Vettori.
“I think there are two sides to it. One is to bring more spectators, but also at the same time, not compromising the standard of play. If the ball starts getting wet and if the game starts getting affected, then I think we need to sit back and decide what we want to do. If both these things come together then I think it’s a win-win story. We’ve shown that we as a nation want to move forward and try out new things. We try and then we see whether it’s successful or not. Success should not be measured by the number of people inside the stadium. I think that is just one aspect.” -Cricket Legend, Sachin Tendulkar.
As both the Teams will be experiencing anything os such, Pink Fever, for the first time, viewers can expect a fun thrilled, sheer dominance by the Indians. Can’t predict about anything else, but the Kolkata’s very own and dear, Md. Shami will make the Lives of the Bangla Tigers a hell with his Raging-fire bowling spells. If by any chance the Lord of 2nd innings showers mercy, the Umesh Express will certainly not. The Big-guy Ishant will also join the party for sure, and together the trio are going to make merry. While the Bangla Tigers are devoid of any skilled fast bowlers the only sigh of relief they can feel is for the fact that the Indian Top-GUN Jasprit Bumrah will not be available to break their heads and toes. Anyway History will be made, and Bangladesh will be part of it, be it for any reason. All glories to Eden Gardens.
