Green Park Stadium in Kanpur is set to host the second Test between India and Bangladesh, and it comes with a cocktail of expectations, uncertainties, and high-stakes challenges. If the focus during the preceding Thursday was on any one individual, it was Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh’s prolific all-rounder. For 26 minutes, the conference room buzzed with the revelation of Shakib’s potential final Test appearance. The seasoned cricketer divulged his internal discussions with the board chief and selectors about possibly ending his Test career. He dreams of a farewell game in his hometown Mirpur, though the political climate makes it a risky proposition. Thus, the upcoming Kanpur Test, starting Friday, could potentially mark the end of Shakib’s illustrious journey in Test cricket.
While Shakib’s future remains uncertain, Kuldeep Yadav, the Indian left-arm spinner, is gearing up for his first international match on home turf in his seven-year career. The hopes pinned on these elusive but special milestones taking place amidst predicted rains bring another layer of complexity. Both Shakib’s swansong and Kuldeep’s long-awaited debut at home will require that the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association’s (UPCA) counter-measures for the weather hold up effectively.
The historical venue carries an aura of the 1990s, far from the sheen of modern stadia. Questions have been raised about a stand that only recently received permissions to host sizable crowds, practice nets that edge too close to the boundary ropes, and floodlights that failed during their last Test event. Despite these concerns, the venue director assures that Green Park is fit and ready, with all necessary approvals in place and is anticipating a record crowd.
The UPCA, well aware of the stadium’s limitations, has often chosen to host more high-profile matches in the modern Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, which boasts superior infrastructure, including an advanced drainage system. There remains a scar of past events where an eight-minute drizzle seven years ago during a Duleep Trophy match rendered Green Park unplayable for an entire day. However, the current venue manager is confident that the vast tarpaulin sheets, super-soppers, and a proclaimed high-quality drainage system will suffice against the predicted rain.
But weather is far from being the only challenge. The stadium’s exterior walls, adorned with advertising for paan masala and marked by unsightly red stains, are under a hasty paint job. This comes just after thwarting protests from right-wing groups opposing the match against Bangladesh, and as they fend off a monkey infestation. “No need to worry about the monkey,” quipped the venue director, adding with a touch of humor, “We have called in langurs to deal with them.
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Unveiling the grand plan of the ‘Shine Green Park’ Test match, the organizers indulged in much fanfare, peppered with appeals for applause when acknowledging Rajiv Shukla’s contributions to Kanpur cricket. Disappointment was palpable among the organizers regarding doubts on the stadium’s preparedness, echoing calls for a larger audience turnout—highlighting that it is only the second Test in eight years at this venue.
For the venue director, the five-day Test match is more than just a cricket contest; it symbolizes the ‘pride of Kanpur.’ Plans are in place to invite and honor the families of local martyrs. Each family would be celebrated with the planting of a tree, aimed at making ‘Green Park even greener.’ “This Test match will be played under the theme ‘Shine Green Park, Shine Kanpur,'” the director elaborated, emphasizing the developmental aspect—’vikaas’—of the stadium and the city. The record ticket sales were flaunted: “We’ve sold more tickets than before; this time, the ticket sales amount to INR 1.15 Crore, compared to INR 93 lakh previously.”
Starting Friday, the various claims surrounding the preparedness of Green Park will be put to the ultimate test. Bangladesh, embroiled in their own cricketing crises, will be eager to level the series against a dominant Indian side. The spotlight is poised to focus on the cricketing action, particularly on how Shakib and Kuldeep perform in what could be a significant game for both. If cricket indeed becomes the central narrative despite expected rains making for reflective interludes, it will be a victory for the players, the stadium, the organizers, and Test cricket itself.
When: Friday, September 27, 2024, 9:30 AM IST
Where: India vs. Bangladesh, 2nd Test, Green Park, Kanpur
What to Expect: Previews suggest rain may influence the first three days, with overcast conditions possibly aiding pacers on a pitch expected to turn early.
Team News:
India’s squad might include three spinners, potentially handing Kuldeep Yadav a start. Key players like Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah skipped the final practice session.
Probable XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj/Jasprit Bumrah
Bangladesh faced a rain-disrupted practice schedule. Shakib Al Hasan, despite some discomfort, might still feature prominently.
Probable XI: Shadman Islam, Zakir Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das (wk), Mehidy Hasan, Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed/Nahid Rana, Taijul Islam
Statements:
Shakib Al Hasan emphasized the importance of a solid first innings score of 350-400 for Bangladesh’s confidence, while India’s assistant coach, Abhishek Nayar, noted the unpredictability of the pitch and conditions ahead of the game.