Mumbai, April 02: With the early dismissal of two of India’s most promising batsmen – Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar – the cheers gave way to fears over the home team’s prospects among thousands of cricket fans watching the World Cup final against Sri Lanka at the Wankhede Stadium here Saturday evening.
The decibel levels in the entire stadium itself came down noticeably and many of the spectators could be seen disappointed.
“The situation has suddenly become grave for India with a 275-run target to chase. Let’s hope that the next rung of players can achieve what the heavyweights could not manage,” said Dukul Pandya, an avid cricket fan and statistician from Vile Parle.
Pandya said that the India may have to pay heavily for the toss in which the Indian captain virtually gave away the first batting to the Sri Lankan team.
“There are now doubts in my mind about the toss itself which is a key factor in such crucial matches,” Pandya said.
Borivli resident Milan Thakar was another highly dejected fan, especially after his favourite Sachin Tendulkar was miserably shunted out.
“All my friends who are cricket fans had plans to celebrate till tomorrow morning if Sachin had notched his 100th century, but now the scene is different,” Thakar, an astrologer said.
Businessman Nirav Thakker of Andheri was another who was stunned by the double whammy claimed by Sri Lanka in the opening stages of India’s reply to the 275-run target Sri Lanka set.
“Now, there is a question mark on the outcome. It is also an indicator that India is facing a tough team and going will not be easy,” he observed.
Mira Road resident V.S. Krishna also questioned why India seemed to have “lost” the toss to Sri Lanka. “The ‘double toss’ should be inquired into, many feel there is something wrong with it,” he said.
—IAns