Ahead of the much-awaited World T20 India-Pakistan match at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday, the city witnessed heavy showers over half an hour. The last time a thunder shower hit Eden Gardens, on 8th October 2015, it saw the abandonment of India vs South Africa T2OI tie without a ball being bowled. That was the first international match under former India captain Sourav Ganguly as the president designate of Cricket Association of Bengal. Once he was officially named the president of CAB, the state association repaired the drainage system of the ground and also did 'coring', which broadly means filling the top soil with sand and fertiliser for better absorption of water.
It is a big test for Eden Gardens which earned the dubious reputation of being one of the most unfit venue when it comes to getting the outfield ready for action after rains. Just 13 days ago the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Mirpur for the Asia Cup final (featuring India and Bangladesh) was made ready within one hour after a heavy thunder shower by the efficient groundsmen under Sri Lankan curator Gamini Silva.
India won the title beating the host in a 15 overs-a-side affair. It remains to be seen how Eden Gardens gets ready for the challenge with only an hour remaining to scheduled start. The white covers are still on as four super soppers are working overtime to clear the accumulated rain water.
