Indore Erupts in Cricket Frenzy as Team Arrives for ODI Decider
Cricket fever gripped Indore on Saturday as the Indian team arrived at Holkar Stadium for their final practice session. The city buzzed with excitement ahead of Sunday's crucial India-New Zealand ODI decider.
Roads Packed with Enthusiastic Supporters
Thousands of fans lined the roads leading to Holkar Stadium well before the team bus reached the venue. Supporters chanted "India, India" throughout the packed stretch. They called out for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma while trying to record the moment on their mobile phones.
The team bus moved slowly through the enthusiastic crowd. Despite a strong police escort, crowd control became challenging. Many fans attempted to move close to the team bus, forcing security personnel to intervene repeatedly.
Police formed cordons along the route and at the stadium gates as the bus entered the premises. The excitement continued during the practice session held from 1.30 pm to 4.30 pm.
Disappointed Fans Wait Outside Stadium
With gates closed to the public, disappointed supporters waited outside the stadium. They raised slogans and appealed to be allowed inside to watch the players train. Several fans stayed near the exits for hours, hoping to catch a brief glimpse of their favourite cricketers as they left the ground.
"It is very difficult to get match tickets," said Prateek Dawar, a college student who came with his friends. "At least we hoped to watch the practice session, but that also did not happen."
Videos showing the heavy crowds outside Holkar Stadium quickly surfaced on social media. These videos underlined the intense build-up to the decider match.
Elaborate Security Measures Implemented
Authorities turned the stadium and surrounding areas into a high-security zone. They deployed hundreds of police personnel at key points. Barricades were placed on approach roads as part of the security and traffic management plan.
MPCA president Mahanaaryaman Scindia inspected the arrangements at the stadium ahead of the match. The stadium area was declared a no-flying zone with strict restrictions on drones and kite flying.
More than 1,500 police personnel will be deployed inside and outside the stadium on Sunday. Security has been divided into four sectors for better management.
CCTV cameras will monitor the venue and nearby multi-storey buildings. Crime Branch teams will remain stationed within a five-kilometre radius. They will keep a close watch on ticket black marketing activities.
A traffic diversion plan will be enforced from noon until the match concludes. Only pass-holding and emergency vehicles will receive entry permission during this period.
Spiritual Visit by Players
Earlier in the day, Virat Kohli and Kuldeep Yadav visited Ujjain. They offered prayers at the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga temple. The two players attended the early-morning aarti and received felicitation from temple committee officials.
Speaking briefly to reporters, Kuldeep Yadav described the visit as a calm and uplifting experience. He added that they prayed for the team's victory on Sunday and for the season ahead.
Anticipation Builds for High-Stakes Finale
With the series finely poised, anticipation continues to build in Indore. The city prepares for the high-stakes finale at Holkar Stadium. Fans remain hopeful for an Indian victory in Sunday's decisive match.
