Barabati Stadium groundstaff: 20 years of rain-recovery work at Odisha T20 CM Trophy
Synopsis
While cameras focus on the batters and bowlers, a crew of up to 60 people — led by a 20-year veteran — is quietly racing the clock after every rain break at Barabati Stadium during the Odisha T20 League CM Trophy 2026. Their two-hour pitch-recovery drill is the unglamorous reason the tournament keeps running.
Key Takeaways
Barabati Stadium groundstaff mobilise after every rain interruption during the Odisha T20 League CM Trophy 2026 in Cuttack .
Ground veteran Hrishikesh Singh (known as Keshav) has worked the pitch for nearly 20 years .
Up to 50–60 people , including 12 core ground staff , assist in post-rain recovery operations.
Restoring the pitch and outfield to playable condition takes at least one-and-a-half to two hours .
The team prioritises the pitch first , then the outfield , using multiple techniques simultaneously.
The groundstaff at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack are working round the clock during the ongoing Odisha T20 League CM Trophy 2026, springing into action every time rain interrupts play to ensure matches resume as swiftly as conditions allow. Their efforts — largely unseen by spectators — are the reason cricket continues at one of Odisha's most storied venues despite an unpredictable monsoon.
Two Decades on the Ground
Hrishikesh Singh, widely known as Keshav, has been part of the Barabati groundstaff for nearly 20 years. He describes the rainy season as the most demanding stretch of the calendar, requiring a combination of hard-earned experience and tight coordination among the crew.
'It is very challenging to maintain the ground during the rainy season. I have been working in this field for 20 years, and experience has helped me handle these situations. We have to work hard and make sure the ground is ready for play,' Singh said.
The Post-Rain Recovery Process
According to Singh, the team follows a strict sequence once the rain clears. The pitch is addressed first, with the outfield tackled immediately after. Getting the surface match-ready typically takes between one-and-a-half to two hours, and the operation draws on a wider support network beyond the core crew.
'The first thing we do after the rain is prepare the pitch, followed by the outfield. Around 50 to 60 people came forward to support us, including 12 ground staff. It takes at least one-and-a-half to two hours to get the pitch ready,' he said.
Teamwork as the Critical Factor
Singh emphasised that speed and coordination are non-negotiable, particularly when a match has already been delayed. The crew deploys multiple techniques simultaneously and relies on collective effort to compress the recovery window.
'We have to work as soon as the rain stops. There is limited time, especially when the match has already been delayed. We use different techniques and work together to prepare the ground. Teamwork is the most important thing,' he said.
Organisational Support
Singh also acknowledged the backing the groundstaff receives from tournament organisers, noting that the secretary has been especially helpful in facilitating their work. The team's stated goal remains singular: ensure every possible over is bowled.
'We always work with the aim of making sure the match can take place. The team has given us a lot of support, and the secretary has helped us a great deal,' he added.
As the Odisha T20 League CM Trophy 2026 continues at Barabati Stadium, the dedication of these behind-the-scenes workers will remain central to whether the tournament completes its schedule on time.
Point of View
Investing in better drainage infrastructure and larger permanent groundstaff rosters is a conversation Indian cricket administrators should be having more openly — rather than relying on volunteer surge capacity every time the skies open.
NationPress
29 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who leads the groundstaff at Barabati Stadium during the Odisha T20 CM Trophy 2026?
Hrishikesh Singh, known as Keshav, is a senior member of the Barabati Stadium groundstaff with nearly 20 years of experience. He coordinates post-rain pitch and outfield recovery during the ongoing tournament.
How long does it take to make Barabati Stadium playable after rain?
According to Hrishikesh Singh, it takes at least one-and-a-half to two hours to get the pitch ready after rain stops. The outfield is addressed after the pitch, with up to 50–60 people assisting in the effort.
How many people are involved in post-rain ground recovery at Barabati Stadium?
Around 50 to 60 people assist in the recovery process, including 12 core ground staff. Additional volunteers and support personnel from the tournament organisers also contribute.
What is the process the groundstaff follows after rain stops at Barabati?
The team first focuses on preparing the pitch, then moves to the outfield. Multiple techniques are used simultaneously, and the entire operation is driven by strict coordination and teamwork to minimise the delay to play.
What is the Odisha T20 League CM Trophy 2026?
The Odisha T20 League CM Trophy 2026 is an ongoing T20 cricket tournament being held at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, Odisha. The event has been affected by rain, placing significant demands on the venue's groundstaff.
