ICC World T20 2016: 5 things to look forward to in the India-Pakistan clash
After the excited anticipation of yet another India-Pakistan clash in a T20 World Cup gave way to a pale shadow of nervous suspense, following unwanted political interventions, the palpable sense of happiness across borders could not be missed as Shahid Afridi's troops finally landed in Kolkata, albeit a slight delay, to participate in the multinational event. With the venue of the marquee fixture being shifted from the scenic Dharamsala to the historical Eden Gardens, Kolkata has turned into a virtual fortress as it awaits a game between two nations where cricket has failed to remain just a mere game.With cricket taking center stage after days of uncertainty, here are 5 things to look forward to in what is, hopefully, expected to be a grand spectacle for all eyes.
#1 Rohit Sharma\'s love affair with Eden Gardens
VVS Laxman, way back in 2001, stamped his authority over Eden Gardens with a career-defining knock of 281 against Australia, which made him an instant favourite of the cricket crazy city. However, if there is one cricketer who has threatened to overshadow Laxman's love affair with this famed stadium, it is Rohit Sharma, who, it seems, can never have enough of this stadium.
Besides making his Ranji Trophy debut here, the Mumbaikar also earned his maiden Test call-up at this venue. A Test century, the record-breaking knock 264 in the ODI format, as well as an IPL hundred against Kolkata Knight Riders, makes Rohit the only batsman in the world to have a century across all formats in Kolkata.
The batsman, who was awarded the captaincy of Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League at Eden Gardens as well, has led his team to two IPL trophies, in 2013 and 2015. Yes, Eden Gardens was the venue of the final on both occasions.
With an unbeaten knock of 98 in the T20 warm-up match against West Indies in Calcutta, a Rohit carnage can not be ruled out yet again as the two arch rivals face off on Saturday.