Mumbai is an ideal venue to kick off the T20 World Cup campaign

By K.R. Nayar
From Wankhede Stadium

Mumbai. Usually, junior teams grow up in the shadow of their seniors. This time, it is the seniors who are drawing inspiration from the next generation. On Saturday, India begin their T20 World Cup campaign riding high on the dazzling achievement of their Under-19 team, crowned champions of the Under-19 World Cup. It is a triumph that truly deserves to be called ‘Future Perfect’ for Indian cricket. Fans are already buzzing with anticipation, eager to see 14-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi — who smashed a historic 175 off just 80 balls in the final — one day don the senior India jersey and light up a World Cup stage.

 Wankhede Stadium entrance decorated for the start of the T20 World Cup. Photo by K,R. Nayar 

With India’s women’s team having recently lifted the Women’s World Cup as well, Suryakumar Yadav and his men will be keen to add their names to this growing tale of World Cup glory. 

Poster of the T20 World Cup at the entrance to the stadium. Photo by K.R. Nayar  

Indian cricket is brimming with talent, across both men’s and women’s teams. This golden run is no accident. Cricket is a way of life in this country, and fans pour into stadiums for every contest. 

A  fan  pose besides the Team India bus. Photo by K.R. Nayar  

The transformation of the Wankhede Stadium for the World Cup has been nothing short of spectacular. On Friday, while attending the pre-match press conferences, it felt like standing at a venue on the eve of a grand festival. Hundreds of workers were busy putting the final touches in place. Little wonder India stands out as an ideal host for a World Cup, as entire cities come together to celebrate the game and turn cricket into a truly glamorous spectacle.

Sunil Gavaskar's statue at the entrance to the Mumbai Cricket museum. Photo by K.R. Nayar  

Gavaskar impact

Journalists were given a guided tour of the Mumbai Cricket Museum, a walk through the city’s rich cricketing heritage. The bronze statue of Sunil Gavaskar at the entrance instantly sends goosebumps down the spine. He remains the man who announced to the world that Indians could challenge, conquer and shatter the toughest records in the game.

Sachin Tendulkar motivating the Mumbai Ranji trophy team. Photo: MCA 

Tendulkar tips

The legends, too, continue to give back, stepping out to inspire the next generation. Sachin Tendulkar recently addressed the Mumbai team during their Ranji Trophy quarterfinal against Karnataka at the Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy, BKC. His advice was simple yet priceless. Tendulkar spoke about preparation, revealing that he would get into match mode the day before — ironing his match clothes, packing his bag early and mentally switching into competition mode.

Amol Muzumdar being felecitated by Khar Gymkhana. Photo: Khar Gymkhana 

Muzumdar’s presence

That culture of guidance and motivation runs deep in Mumbai cricket. Star players and coaches are regularly invited to clubs and gymkhanas to inspire young cricketers. Last week, Khar Gymkhana played host to Indian women’s team World Cup-winning coach Amol Muzumdar, invited by Polly Vivek Devnani and Mayank Khichadia, who are known for tirelessly staging events that nurture young talent. Devnani recalled that Muzumdar, as a young boy, honed his skills at the Khar Gymkhana grounds and even represented their team before going on to play for Mumbai.

The victorious Mumbai Under-16 team. Photo: MCA

Fifty lakhs for Under 16 team

Recognition and reward remain central to the city’s cricketing culture. Ajinkya Naik, the hardworking president of the Mumbai Cricket Association, ensures that outstanding performances never go unnoticed. Recently, Naik and his officials felicitated Mumbai’s Under-16 boys after their triumph in the BCCI’s Vijay Merchant Trophy. The champions received Rs 25 lakhs from the BCCI, with the Mumbai Cricket Association matching it with another Rs 25 lakhs — a fitting salute to young achievers and a powerful message that excellence will always be celebrated in Mumbai cricket.

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