With India all set to take on Bangladesh on Saturday in Dhaka in its quest to win the ICC World Cup, cricket fans in Pune are gearing up to support MS Dhoni and his men in the opening tie. From painting faces with tricolour to wearing the Team India colours and getting together to cheer India to win, the Puneites are an exited lot.
The creative director of Seagull Advertising, Sanju Aiyyar, has already bought the T-shirts and flags with his friends and has big plans to watch the first match. “We’ll watch the first innings in my house and then probably go to a sports bar to watch the second innings and celebrate India’s win,’’ he said.
A huge cricket buff and a loyal India fan, Aiyyar hopes to watch some of the matches live. Some have planned to watch the tie together with family and friends.
Retired army major Shashi Bhatia has organised a big screen viewing of the matches in his society’s clubhouse. He is a resident of Rakshak Society near Wakad. With a projector in place, they will enjoy the matches with potluck dinners and single malts. Bhatia said, “Watching the match together is more fun, irrespective of the result.’’
Sports bars in the city have realised this, and are looking forward to large numbers, especially on the opening day. Ram Patil, manager of Time Out sports bar, says, “We are expecting about 50 people, which is our capacity. We will be serving a special menu for food and drink, designed for the World Cup.’’
The World Cup may be India’s to win, believe Bhatia and most other cricket fans, but they will not be focused only on their country’s matches and will also be watching other big teams play. A 21-year-old cricket fan, Karan Matnani, will be looking out for South Africa as he explains they have the best chances with their fast bowlers.
Television screens or projectors are also being arranged in some offices to ensure people don’t call in sick and sit home to watch the matches.
Aiyyar said, “We’re planning to have an LCD TV set up in the office. Till then, everyone will watch the matches streamed live online.’’
Whether they are watching the matches at home alone, together with family and friends, at a sports bar, online or on television, all cricket fans will be cheering lustily for India.
