The 'Rohit Sharma effect' is set to create a blockbuster Friday in Jaipur as cricket fans prepare to flock to the Sawai Mansingh Stadium. This surge in anticipation follows the Indian captain's spectacular batting display earlier this week, prompting the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) to prepare for an even larger crowd.
Wednesday's Spectacle Sets the Stage
The excitement stems from Mumbai's opening Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Sikkim on Wednesday. Rohit Sharma played a breathtaking innings, scoring 155 runs off just 94 balls, leading his team to a commanding eight-wicket victory. His performance, filled with a wide array of strokes, was witnessed by approximately 20,000 spectators who packed the available stands.
RCA officials revealed that the demand was so high that an additional two to three thousand fans were left waiting outside as the stadium had reached full capacity. With Christmas holidays in progress, the organizers are bracing for an even bigger turnout for Mumbai's second match against Uttarakhand.
RCA Prepares for a Friday Rush
To accommodate the expected influx of cricket lovers, the RCA has decided to open two additional stands in the north block of the stadium. DD Kumawat, the convener of the RCA's ad-hoc committee, confirmed that entry to the match will be free for all spectators. The association is making all possible efforts to ensure more fans can witness the action live.
"We are opening two more stands as we are expecting more cricket lovers on Friday," Kumawat stated. "We will make all possible efforts so that more people can watch the Mumbai match tomorrow."
Team Preparations and Fan Disappointment
While the fans are buzzing, the teams had contrasting practice sessions on Thursday. The Uttarakhand squad, which lost its opening match to Himachal Pradesh, held a full practice. The Mumbai team, however, opted for an optional session. Only eight players attended the practice at the RCA Academy ground.
Senior players, including Rohit Sharma and captain Shardul Thakur, chose to rest. The focus was on players like the Khan brothers—Sarfaraz and Musheer—who had an extended batting session in the nets. Upcoming batter Suryansh Shedge and experienced spinner Shams Mulani also put in the hard yards. Players who did not feature in the previous game, along with the support staff, participated in fielding drills and catching practice.
The optional practice led to some disappointment for die-hard fans who gathered at the academy hoping to see Rohit Sharma. "We are obviously disappointed not to see him today at the practice," some fans expressed, "but we will be surely coming to see the match tomorrow and hoping to get full entertainment from Rohit’s batting display."
All eyes are now on Friday, where another masterclass from the star batter could turn the Vijay Hazare Trophy match into an unforgettable spectacle for Jaipur's cricket enthusiasts.
