The stage is set for a thrilling T20 showdown between India and Afghanistan at the picturesque Holkar Stadium in Indore. But while players and fans gear up for an electrifying encounter, the ground crew faces a formidable foe: dew.
With light showers and foggy mornings predicted for January 14th, dew management on the playing surface takes center stage. The Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) is leaving nothing to chance. Their “dew-busting arsenal” includes:
- Anti-dew sprays: These specialized solutions combat moisture build-up on the grass, ensuring better grip for bowlers and fielding agility.
- Super soaker machines: These high-powered sprinklers quickly wash away any dew accumulation, maintaining optimal playing conditions.
- Homemade dew absorber: This innovative contraption, a brainchild of the MPCA team, utilizes rolling foam and sponge to capture excess moisture, keeping the pitch dry and lively.
Holkar Stadium prepares for dew
MPCA chief pitch curator Manohar Jamle, praised for his swift action during a rain-hit ODI in September, told TOI: “We’re well-equipped and taking proactive measures, ensuring the ground remains protected. Our goal is an entertaining, high-scoring match for the fans, and the pitch is prepared to facilitate that.”
Beyond dew control, the focus is on creating a pitch that encourages aggressive T20 batting. With final touches underway, expectations are high for a nail-biting contest worthy of the passionate Indore crowd.
So, as anticipation builds for the Holkar clash, the question remains: Can India carry the momentum of their Mohali triumph and overcome the dew challenge to secure another T20 victory? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure – the stage is set for a game that promises both dew-defying skill and heart-pounding cricket action.