Over many a beer session across pubs in Delhi, Manoj and I often discussed watching a marquee contest at a beautiful venue. Watching a Federer-Nadal match at Wimbledon & India-England at Lords was high on our dream list. In India, watching an India-Australia Test Match at Mohali, near the Le Corbusier deigned Chandigarh, far and away the most picturesque Test venue in India, was what we were looking forward to. Our moment came last weekend. Never mind that we had to drive 300 km, even though the two teams were to square up 30 km away from home in Delhi’s Feroze Shah Kotla 10 days later!
Like two seasoned openers, our response was instinctive. Off we were at 4.45 am to catch Sachin, Ishant, Dhoni, Lee, Ponting and their ilk. Test cricket in one of those sports that lends itself perfectly to be enjoyed in beautiful settings, much like golf. Played at a languid pace, it is all about subtle nuances. Add a picturesque ground and lovely weather to the frame, what more can one ask for? Mohali’s cricket stadium is pretty by Indian standards. Small stands ringed by trees, clear blue skies, green grass, mellow sun, a gentle breeze and a few friends…it was lovely! The cricket was gripping. It was a purist’s delight to watch Ishant and Lee run in hard against the backdrop of green and blue hues of the turf and sky.
-
- Manoj at Mohali
-
- Another one in the Indian pantheon of Gods – Sachin Tendulkar
-
- Brits enjoying beer
-
- Cloudy day at Dharamsala
-
- Cricket amidst the snowline
Soccer fans in Europe are known to travel extensively in groups. Seeing a game in each of the Major League (base) ballparks is a lifetime goal for many in US. Travel companies buy up seats and hotel rooms months in advance, or establish exclusive relationships with teams and tournaments. Such is the burning desire travel and watch sport. I’m now waiting for Test cricket to take place in Dharamsala! Has anyone come across a more scenic setting?
Great piece. It seems like I was there with you guys. Looking forward to more such adventures.
And that’s what Sachin said “it’s about quality not quantity” as if He(upper case for God) had seen you guys!!!
Now It’s my turn to add to the quality at Feroz Shah Kotla and watch the “fab 5″ play together for the last time
)
Yes, we had loads of fun. This is the first time I ever saw a test match live in a stadium. What better place than Mohali. Some moments which will always be etched in my memory — Dada’s Hundered, Ishant’s terrific spell, Dhoni’s charismatic batting, Hayden’s dismissal of Zaheer khan (1st innings).
Hoping that we get some good pavilion passes and get to see the 7th ODI between India and England at Feroshah Kotla. Cheers