Pune: Fans in Pune were left reeling from the scorching heat during the second Test between India and New Zealand at the Maharashtra Cricket Stadium (MCA). Temperatures in the Maharashtra city soared but that didn’t deter the fans from coming out in numbers to support Team India, which is battling to stay in the series following a shock loss in the opening Test in Bengaluru.
While spectators braved the heat to watch their favourite superstars in action, the non-availability of water in the stadium led to a chaotic situation.
Pictures of spectators slamming the MCA for not providing basic facilities such as drinking water went viral on social media. After a massive protest, volunteers stacked up water bottles for the disgruntled fans.
Spectators face water nightmare in MCA Stadium
Spectators chant “Hai Hai MCA, Paani do, Paani do” over non-availability of drinking water. @sportstarweb pic.twitter.com/WcigHqkLqj
— Shayan Acharya (@ShayanAcharya) October 24, 2024
The volunteers are stacking up drinking water bottles to provide to the fans after their protest. @sportstarweb pic.twitter.com/K0tQeO25xb
— Shayan Acharya (@ShayanAcharya) October 24, 2024
Not just the drinking water, spectators faced a nightmare while going to answer nature’s call as there was no water available in the toilets. Pictures of people standing in long ques outside the public toilets is going viral on the internet.
Fans complain to the security personnel about non-availability of water in the washrooms. Huge queue outside the public toilets. @sportstarweb pic.twitter.com/k9Wmgb9S0R
— Shayan Acharya (@ShayanAcharya) October 24, 2024
India win the second session
New Zealand reached 201 for 5 at Tea on Day 1 after Tom Latham had opted to bat first in sunny and dry conditions in Pune. Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra hit half-centuries for the Kiwis while Ravichandran Ashwin bagged three wickets for India. Washington Sundar, who replaced left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav in the playing X1 chipped in with a couple of important wickets in the second session.
India made three changes in the playing XI as Mohammed Siraj, KL Rahul and Kuldeep were excluded in favour of Akash Deep, Sundar and Shubman Gill.
