Crowds Missing -- The Difference -

Chepauk :

I try to get in and watch when Tamilnadu plays at home in the Ranji matches. This year was no different- TN was playing Saurastra and I found the weekend a perfect time to get in and watch the match and more so watch Cheteswar Pujara bat.

It is a different experience to go watch the Ranji match. Totally different compared to the IPL or the Test matches. No entry fees -No security check – – Just one stand opened up for the public. No noise – no Flags-no Giant screen – You could carry your eatables – water – camera and so on and plenty of parking. Just the opposite of what happens when an IPL match is staged.

On this Saturday , there were about 50 people with some families who turned up for the Pujara treat. There was class all over this guy. Playing with a straight bat , he could play the horizontal shots as well. If he could do well in the forthcoming South African , we have the replacement for the Wall – Dravid . ( Pujara is still batting at close of play – Poor TN bowlers )

There were stars other than Pujara as well – Vijay / Dinesh Karthik / L . Balaji/ Badri/ Unadkat and so on ( all played/ playing for India and one of the IPL teams but made no difference .. It was that small crowd , whose knowledge of the game and players was intense. I watched the game with so much quietness – the crowd applauding every stroked that was produced but the din was a nice one !

I was missing the crowds and the noise and the tension and fun .. No doubt about that.
PS: Do not ask where I get the time to go watch a Ranji match – I have all the time in the world !

Pondy Bazaar

I am sure all of you have noticed the footpath vendors being cleared out and given shops in the multi-level complex in the same road to continue their trade. With the clearance , most of the regular shops that were invisible have come to light. You could freely walk on the pavements – no jostling , no one calling you out from the side shops , clear path to move quickly and again parking available . What a difference.
Did I miss the crowds here – not at all – this is the best thing that can happen to this shopping area. The next thing that can be done is to make this stretch – a walking road—that would be awesome !