New Motera stadium: Big in every sense

Cricket’s global superstar Virat Kohli is expected to get his lengthiest ovation ever when he walks out to bat at the rebuilt Motera stadium in Ahmedabad, the venue for the February 24-28 day-night India-England Test, the third of this engrossing series that’s tied 1-1.

At the world’s biggest cricket stadium having a capacity of 1,10,000, a batsman will have to first climb down 80- odds steps from the dressing room perched high over the sightscreen and then take a long walk on the sprawling oval to reach the central square. With the Covid-19 protocol allowing 55,000 fans, Motera is expected to reverberate by unceasing ‘Kohli, Kohli’ chants when the India captain comes out with willow in hand.

Adding to the anticipation among locals is the possible presence of President Ram Nath Kovind on Day 1 of the Test. Other political heavyweights are also expected to land in Ahmedabad from the Capital. The refurbished venue’s first international game will also decide who faces New Zealand in the World Test Championship final at Lord’s in June. It’s the grand cricketing launch of the stadium that hosted the ‘Namaste Trump’ event where the former US president shared the stage with Prime Minister Narender Modi exactly a year ago.

World’s largest stadium at Motera prepares to host “pink” test match between India and England @IndianExpress pic.twitter.com/gr8OZCrvRz

— Avinash Nair (@Avinashgnair) February 17, 2021

‘Hair-raising experience’

Former India pacer Munaf Patel explains the excitement a player is likely to feel when he steps on the turf of the venue spread over 93 acres and has the intimidating feel of a colosseum. Presently Baroda’s bowling coach, Patel was at Motera for last month’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. “It took one day to absorb the ambience. Everything was just big. For many players, it was a feeling of pride. I have played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia but can say that it will be a hair-raising experience for everyone when the National Anthem is played at a packed stadium,” he said.

Rebuilt at a cost of roughly Rs 800 crore, the complex has two practice grounds with nine pitches, and another 11 on the central square. The proportion of red and black soil is altered to give the multiple tracks a diverse nature. The Bermuda grass on the outfield has been brought from Australia. The stadium also has 55 rooms in the clubhouse which also has a 3D mini theatre, an Olympic-size swimming pool, gymnasium, steam and sauna, and squash court.

More photos from #Motera stadium in #Gujarat which prepares to host third test match between India and England pic.twitter.com/ESg3MkPKXn

— Avinash Nair (@Avinashgnair) February 17, 2021

Spectator- and player-friendly

The stadium’s pillar-less architecture provides the fans, sitting anywhere in the stadium, an unobstructed view of the action on the field. The floodlight towers of the old stadium have been replaced by the in-vogue LED lights that circle the stands and are shadow-free. The innovative drainage system at the stadium ensures that the action can start within 30 minutes of rain relenting. It has a parking provision for 3,000 cars and 10,000 two-wheelers. In case of emergency, an arrangement has been made for any truck or ambulance to drive inside the stadium. The venue also has an indoor cricket academy and a 200-metre jogging track.

Former India wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel calls Motera a player-friendly stadium. “There is consideration for each and every requirement of an international cricketer. There are two gyms interconnected to each dressing room. Players can train and walk to their change rooms. There is a spacious warm up-area inside the dressing room which has synthetic rubber flooring. So, players can run and do their warm-ups inside. For instance, if it’s raining outside or there are 15 minutes for the game to start, the players can start the warm-ups inside,” Parthiv informs.

The extended dressing rooms also provide individual space for trainers, physiotherapists and coaches. “There is a separate meeting room, a coach’s cabin and a corner for the physio where three players can be treated at a time,” said an official.

Former Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) treasurer Anirudh Chaudhary, who played a friendly game during the annual general body meeting, talks about the buzz around the Test. “I am sure the players would be as excited to play there as the spectators are to witness the first Test at the spectacular venue, if the request for passes is anything to go by,” he says.