Why is the turnout so solid for the India-WI Test in New Delhi?
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Synopsis
New Delhi is buzzing as cricket fans flock to witness the thrilling India-WI Test match at Arun Jaitley Stadium. Despite initial concerns, the attendance has exceeded expectations, with a larger crowd expected this Sunday. Join us as we explore the factors behind this excitement and the stellar performances on the field!
Key Takeaways
- Strong attendance of 15,700 on day two.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill shine with stellar performances.
- Factors like reduced ticket prices and holiday timing improved turnout.
- Local players' absence affected initial buzz.
- Expectations for a larger crowd on the final day due to public holiday.
New Delhi, Oct 11 (NationPress) The atmosphere surrounding India’s second and final Test against the West Indies, taking place at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, might have been quiet prior to the match. However, the attendance over the initial two days has shown a promising trend, with fans steadily filling the stands despite the lackluster build-up.
As India’s bowlers prepare to shine on Sunday, a larger audience is anticipated, contributing to the escalating excitement surrounding what could be a pivotal day in the match, with the hosts aiming for a 2-0 series victory over the Caribbean visitors.
This venue recently witnessed over 17,000 fans braving the chilly weather to see Virat Kohli return to the Ranji Trophy during a match against Railways, necessitating additional gates and enhanced security measures to accommodate the overwhelming crowd.
Nevertheless, the lack of excitement surrounding the Test match against the West Indies can be attributed to the absence of star players, particularly from the opposing side, as well as the unavailability of local heroes such as Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin, who has stepped back from Tests.
Moreover, the absence of a local player in the Indian lineup, with wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant recovering from a fractured right foot and seam-bowling all-rounder Harshit Rana not participating in the series (though he’s included for the upcoming Australia tour), did not aid in generating buzz.
Despite the quieter lead-up from a fan perspective, the crowd attendance in New Delhi has been commendable. On day one, 11,000 spectators enjoyed Yashasvi Jaiswal’s century and B Sai Sudharsan’s 87. Day two saw 15,700 fans witnessing Jaiswal score 175, along with skipper Shubman Gill achieving an unbeaten 129 – his tenth Test century, as a dominant India declared at 518/5.
An official from the DDCA mentioned to IANS that several factors contributed to the impressive turnout for the ongoing match, something they had anticipated. “With ticket prices reduced following the GST adjustment and day two coinciding with a second Saturday, a holiday for many working professionals, we saw a turnout of 15,700 fans today.”
“Additionally, it’s India’s first Test in New Delhi after nearly two and a half years, generating significant interest and excitement among fans eager to witness Test match action live. We are now looking forward to an even larger crowd on Sunday, as it’s a public holiday and fans will be keen to see India’s bowlers in action,” the DDCA official further added.
The lower stands were nearly full on day two, with the middle stands also showing decent occupancy. The crowd was lively in their support, with chants of ‘Kohli, Kohli’ swiftly transitioning to ‘Jaiswal, Jaiswal’ and ‘Gill, Gill’.
Whenever KL Rahul or Mohammed Siraj approached the practice nets, fans would gather at the edges of their stands for a closer glimpse. As Bumrah bowled, chants of ‘Boom, boom Bumrah’ resonated throughout the venue, and when Mohammed Siraj entered to bowl, the crowd erupted with ‘DSP, DSP’ chants.
Concerns about spectator turnout for the game in New Delhi had been prevalent, particularly following the sight of numerous empty seats during the first Test at the 132,000-capacity Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
However, those worries have been quickly alleviated as fans have shown up in encouraging numbers at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, injecting a vibrant energy into the stands. A commanding victory for India would certainly reward the capital’s passionate cricket fans and add a fitting cherry on top of their weekend outing.
Point of View
It’s heartening to see the strong turnout for this Test match in New Delhi. The attendance showcases the enduring love for cricket in India, despite the absence of marquee players. The DDCA's strategic adjustments, including pricing and timing, have been effective in drawing crowds, emphasizing the importance of engaging with local cricket fans.
NationPress
11/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors contributed to the high turnout for the Test match?
Factors include reduced ticket prices post-GST adjustment, the second Saturday holiday, and the match being India's first Test in New Delhi in over two years, generating significant interest.
Who were the standout players in the match?
Yashasvi Jaiswal scored 175 runs, and skipper Shubman Gill made an unbeaten 129, contributing to India's commanding total of 518/5.
Is there a concern about attendance for future matches?
Initially, there were concerns due to empty seats in Ahmedabad, but the encouraging turnout in New Delhi has alleviated those worries.
How does local player absence affect the match's atmosphere?
The absence of local stars like Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant has lowered the buzz, but the crowd's enthusiasm for the game remains strong.
What can fans expect on the final day of the Test?
Fans can anticipate an exciting performance from India's bowlers and a larger turnout as it's a public holiday.
