Barabati matchday mania: Retired Virat, Rohit jerseys huge hit among fans for T20 series against SA

As India took on South Africa in the first T20I at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on Tuesday, the excitement wasn’t limited to the pitch alone. The streets leading to the stadium were buzzing with cricket fans, many of whom were on a mission to buy replica jerseys of their favourite players. 

According to a report of The Times of India, more than 45 vendors from states such as Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra had set up temporary kiosks along Stadium Road, Buxi Bazar, and the Cantonment stretch, creating a lively marketplace for cricket merchandise.

Despite the absence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from the playing XI and their announced retirement from the T20 format, their jerseys remained the top sellers. Fans flocked to purchase jerseys, wristbands, tricolour bands, caps, and face paint, with prices ranging from Rs 200 to Rs 500. The vibrant stalls were packed with enthusiastic supporters eager to display their team spirit ahead of the match.

A vendor from Bihar who had travelled to Cuttack for the fixture noted the undiminished fan frenzy for the retired stars. 

“Sales have picked up sharply since Sunday. Even though they aren’t playing, most customers still ask for Rohit and Virat jerseys first. Around eight out of ten fans head straight to the No. 18 and No. 45 jerseys,” he said, gesturing to racks stacked high with the popular numbers.

Also Read: IND vs SA T20I at Barabati: Hardik Pandya and bowlers seal emphatic win for India

The scene around Barabati Stadium highlighted the unwavering loyalty of cricket fans in Odisha. Even as the team fields new talent, the legends continue to hold a special place in the hearts of supporters. The frenzy for jerseys, face paint, and memorabilia proved that in cricket, true icons never truly retire.