2 months ago
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Twenty-four days aft launching its Men’s T20 World Cup rubric defence with a scratchy triumph implicit the United States, Suryakumar Yadav’s men returned to the Wankhede Stadium connected Tuesday nighttime — this clip with a semifinal against England looming large.
As the Indian squad went done its fielding drills nether lights, the curators softly covered the 22-yard portion that volition dictate fortunes connected Thursday. Two days out, the aboveground wore a greener look than is customary astatine the Wankhede — adjacent by First-Class standards, fto unsocial a T20 International.
With temperatures climbing steadily implicit the past fortnight, the determination to clasp a steadfast writer screen was understandable, a protective measurement to forestall the transportation from drying retired and breaking up. The pertinent question present is however overmuch of that writer volition beryllium shaved disconnected earlier lucifer time.
Interestingly, portion caput manager Gautam Gambhir took a adjacent look astatine the portion earlier it was covered, nary of the Indian players ambled crossed to inspect it. Perhaps they are contented to hold until lucifer day, drafting cues from the 2 fixtures already played connected this aboveground earlier successful the tournament.
The red-soiled aboveground slated for Thursday’s semifinal was utilized for England’s clash against West Indies connected February 11 and the Italy-Nepal crippled the pursuing day. On some occasions, it offered assistance to spinners, peculiarly arsenic the games progressed. Yet, overmuch has changed since past — not slightest the upwind and the stakes.
India’s penchant for truer, flatter decks has been indulged done the Super Eights. Whether that signifier continues astatine the semifinal signifier remains to beryllium seen. For now, beneath the covers and the coastal humidity, the Wankhede portion holds its secrets adjacent — waiting to uncover them connected the biggest nighttime of India’s campaign.
