The beaming floodlights as well as the facade lights at Eden Gardens aren’t just indications that the city will be hosting a big cricket match again, it also lights up the passion in the cricket-crazy citizens, building up the atmosphere for a grand spectacle.
In these Covid times, cricket at the Eden is about embracing normal life tighter than ever before. So far, the iconic venue has hosted four international matches since the outbreak of the pandemic, but with limited capacity.
The India-New Zealand T20I last November did have a sizeable turnout, though it was an inconsequential game. But on that occasion too, the stadium was allowed to host the game with 70 per cent capacity, while in the India-West Indies T20Is, the percentage had been reduced further.
However, this time around, with Covid-19 still in a slumber after the third wave and the restrictions also no longer existing, the Eden can stage a game at 100 per cent of its capacity, which will be a first since the India-Bangladesh pink ball day-night Test of November 2019.
No wonder the craze for tickets, especially for Wednesday’s Eliminator featuring Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bangalore, appears to be never-ending. Why? The answer is obvious. To watch Virat Kohli, who’s back in form, bat at a venue where he has had a fair amount of success as a batsman.
Not just the Eliminator, expect a chock-a-block Eden during Tuesday’s Qualifier I as well when Gujarat Titans and Rajasthan Royals vie for a berth in the final of IPL 2022.
“Of course, you’re always excited to come back to a ground where you made your (international) debut,” Titans pacer Mohammed Shami, who made his Test debut at the Eden in November 2013, said on Monday.
“Alongside having good knowledge of the conditions, it’s always a different feeling playing at home. We do get pumped up playing in front of the Eden crowd,” Shami emphasised.
The Cricket Association of Bengal, too, deserves credit for ensuring a quick repair of the areas affected by Saturday’s Nor’wester. The front glass window of the media box was back in shape by Sunday afternoon itself and so were the other parts.
