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Sporty spirits!
India may have struggled against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup before eventually holing out. Still the vociferous fans had plenty to cheer.
India may have struggled against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup before eventually holing out. Still the vociferous fans, who converged at Mantra for a live screening organised by Hindustan Times and Kingfisher, had plenty to cheer.
That cricket is a batsman’s game was evident in the noise levels that accompanied every four. People may have been glued to their seats throughout the match, but their tones reached fever pitch once India began batting.
At the beginning of the second innings Economics graduate Shishir Agarwal surmised that India needed a good innings from Rahul Dravid. He believed that Jammy might emerge as the Man of the Match. He also defended Sourav’s decision to send Parthiv Patel instead of Virender Sehwag to open the innings. “Sehwag clicks sometimes, sometimes he doesn’t. He is actually a little weak when the ball swings. So maybe sending him one down was a better option.”
In any case he regarded Sri Lanka as the main obstacle to India’s chances in the Cup. “Even underdogs can emerge as winners as Greece did in the Euro Cup, but Sri Lanka in general and Muralitharan in particular can really threaten India’s chances,” he announced. Former cricketer Kirti Azad however thought India had the edge. “When I see India batting on the big screen the bat appears even bigger,” he remarked.
On a serious note, Azad thought that the Indian team was going great guns with the batsmen clicking and the bowlers delivering. “All we need is an all rounder. Maybe Pathan can fit the bill.” The only fault that he found, and this despite India struggling for 71/4 in 15.1 overs, was that the winning opening combination was disturbed.
Advertising professional Kunal Lalani, meanwhile, was enjoying the ambience. “India’s position will improve,” he said. “India can be even better if advertisements don’t distract the cricketers,” he added. Despite India’s loss, the cool combo of cricket, food and drinks bowled the guests over.
