India vs Australia: Packed home support awaits Virat Kohli in Bangalore Test

Fans in Bangalore are expected to turn out in force for the vital second Test against Australia starting on Saturday.

Virat Kohli’s team, determined to bounce back after the shocking manner of their defeat in the first Test against Australia in Pune last week, can be assured of massive home support on Saturday.

India cricket team captain Virat Kohli leaves after batting in the nets during a training session ahead of their second cricket test match against Australia in Bangalore. (AP)

Officials of the M Chinnaswamy Stadium have already sold almost every ticket in the 30,000-capacity venue, and expected a full house for the crucial second Test starting on Saturday.

Any concern that India’s three-day loss in Pune could dampen the enthusiasm of fans here has been allayed. “We are almost sold out. We have sold 90 % of the tickets as of Friday morning,” Vinay Mruthyunjay, spokesman of the Karnataka State Cricket Association, said. “We expect the rest of the tickets also to be sold before the match.”

Indian cricketers warm up during a training session ahead of their second cricket test match against Australia in Bangalore. (AP)

He said the heartening aspect was the sales of around 12,000 season tickets, which means fans are expected to come even on weekdays. With the Chinnaswamy Stadium pitch expected to last the distance, unlike the crumbling Pune surface, they will hope the Test goes into the fifth day.

Cricket clashes between India and Australia are spicy affairs and the Bangalore Test promises another battle of attrition. Besides, skipper Virat Kohli is a local favourite as he leads IPL side, Royal Challengers Bangalore. India need to win to prevent Australia from retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.