DELHI DINE

‘Feels like fog but it’s also kind of hot’

Bangladesh youngster Afif Hossain batted at the nets yesterday, preparing for the first T20I against India by facing young India quicks from an academy. The left-hander was in a jolly mood after his session and although reporters were keen on getting a serious soundbite out of him about the smog in New Delhim where the Air Quality Index (AQI) has risen to emergency levels, he just said: “It feels like fog, but it’s also kind of hot here.” Perhaps not a serious soundbite, but it captured the essence quite well.

Bangladesh middle-order batsman Mosaddek Hossain was not one to complain about the smog. While he was seen using a mask for protection from the thick smog, he stated that its effect on him was minimal. “We’ve been here for four days now. Getting used to it,” he said.

Historic Willingdon Pavillion

The Feroz Shah Kotla Ground, one of the most famous venues in India, recently changed its name to the Arun Jaitley Stadium. But the stadium also had another name after it was established. The ground still bears the mark of its ancient past and caught the attention of the visiting crowd right away.

The Willingdon Pavilion, once a handsome colonial-era building named after and inaugurated by the viceroy and governor-general of India in 1933, stood as a mute spectator to the modernity around it. It used to be the players’ pavilion in the old day but now stands in all its glory even as it is not being used.

Grassy wicket?

Looking at the pitch at the Arun Jaitley Stadium from afar, it could be gleaned that some grass was left on the pitch, indicating that the faster bowlers might get some help early on. Whether the grass would be left on the pitch as it is could not be ascertained but Bangladesh captain Mahmudullah Riyad was hopeful the pitch would be good. “The pitch had some grass. It will be good for batting. The responsibility is on the batters to get a good score for the bowlers to defend.”

Rohit does his homework

“I am pretty sure. I do my homework,” Sharma said when confusion arose during his presser about India’s current T20I standings. Sharma said India were number 5 but wanted to double check as some of those present said India were number 2. Rohit did not agree and seemed confident of what he said. It turns out he does do his homework as India are ranked fifth at the moment.