IND vs ENG: Team India supporters throng Manchester's cricket ground, carrying the Tricolour
Manchester, July 4
Old Trafford is "bleeding blue" as thousands of Team India supporters flood the stadium to cheer for the Shreyas Iyer-led side against England in the 2nd T20I on Saturday.
Before the start of the match, ANI caught up with several Team India supporters in Manchester, who shared their excitement for the game and backed India to win.
An Indian fan, Mayank Verma, wearing the Team India jersey, said, "...I am so excited, I want Shivam Dube to hit sixes all over the park. I am the biggest fan of him. Shivam Dube, Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi - if he gets a chance today. I want India to score 300+ runs, if they can. We have to win this match wonderfully. So, go India!..."
Many Indian fans were also spotted holding the Tricolour in their hands.
Meanwhile, India have won the toss and opted to bat against England in the second T20 in Manchester on Saturday.
Also, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi received his maiden India cap from Tilak Varma. The 15-year-old has become the youngest debutant in T20I cricket and also the youngest to represent India in men's international cricket.
" We'll bat first again. We've got one change. Vaibhav comes in for Sanju. Absolutely... you've seen him in the last few months, the way he's been batting. Not really. I feel that he completely deserves to be in the squad. He's someone who doesn't take pressure at all. Has an unflinching nature. He's very well aware of what's going to come in these coming matches. The way he bats in the nets and takes on the bowlers, shows what kind of player he is. You see the competition, it's game after game - the amount of talent India produces is pleasing to the eye. Keeps us on our toes. Pressure is a privilege I feel," Indian skipper Shreyas Iyer said during the toss.
"Would've had a bat as well. Was an awesome day. Unfortunately, we're not going to be able to do that again unless we chase down 300. Happy with the selections. Joff is coming back in - strong player for us. Tongue has been knocking on the door. They're both very skilful bowlers and have extremely good slower balls. Also, the ability to nail the yorkers. Yeah, we've done a little bit (homework on Vaibhav)," England skipper Harry Brook said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I'm so proud to see our fans taking over Old Trafford. The energy must be electric! But let's not get too carried away with the 300 runs talk - England have a strong bowling attack with Jofra Archer back. Need to play smart cricket first! 🤞
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi at 15 getting his maiden cap - this is what happens when Indian cricket nurtures talent from grassroots. Genius move by the selectors. Shreyas Iyer's comment "pressure is a privilege" really sums up the new India attitude. Chalo blue, chalo! 🔵🔥
As a neutral observer, this is fantastic for the game. The Indian fanbase is incredible - passionate, colorful, and always respectful. But I hope England can put up a good fight. Rooting for Harry Brook's side to make it competitive! 🏴
Bleeding blue at Old Trafford - goosebumps moment! Shivam Dube hitting sixes, Abhishek Sharma's aggression, and now Vaibhav... the future of Indian cricket looks bright. Hope we don't repeat the mistakes from the first T20I though. Need better death bowling!
This is brilliant coverage. Vaibhav at 15 is insane talent - youngest debutant in T20I history! The Indian fan culture is unmatched. But can we talk about how the English weather might play spoilsport? Hope we get a full game. 🤞
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