Kohli & Co's Barabati Win Unforgettable For Fans In Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Expectations were high and the hope of India winning didn't quiver even when Captain Kohli got dismissed by Keemo Paul while trying to push a ball outside off-stump but dragged it to the stumps. India won convincingly against West Indies in the decider match at Barabati stadium at Cuttack giving fans several unforgettable moments to cherish.

Fans in the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack celebrated the Sunday night which became so special for them that even a day after the match, they were seen gathering outside the players' hotel to get a glimpse of their favourite cricketing icons.

“I am delighted after meeting such great players. I wish Team India to win many more series in the days to come,” said a fan.

“We clicked pictures with the players of West Indies team and also with Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja. We are really happy,” said another fan at the hotel.

Barabati last hosted an international match, which was a T20, between India and Sri Lanka two years ago, while the last ODI was hosted nearly three years ago. The stadium, which bore the wrath of cyclone Fani in May this year, needed a lot of renovation work by the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA). Living up to the expectations, the renovation works were completed ahead of the match and the stadium was crammed to capacity with 40,000 cricket fans.

“Even after facing so many problems, fans enjoyed the game and were celebrating by flashing their mobile lights,” said Sanjay Behera, OCA secretary.

However, issues like fake pass distribution stirred up a controversy which Odisha Police is currently probing. Several people were detained for trying to enter the stadium by using fake passes, said Police Commissioner Sudhansu Sarangi, adding that those involved in the illegal activity will be arrested soon.