The Indian cricket team carries the momentum of a thrilling victory into Raipur, where they will face South Africa in the second One Day International on Wednesday. A win here would seal the three-match series for the Men in Blue, providing a perfect response after the recent Test series disappointment. The Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Nava Raipur is buzzing with anticipation for this crucial clash.
Teams Arrive and Prepare for the Decider
Both squads landed in Raipur on Monday evening, arriving via a chartered flight from Ranchi at approximately 4:30 PM. They were greeted warmly by enthusiastic fans at the airport. The hosts hold a 1-0 series lead after narrowly defending their total in a tense first match.
Practice sessions are set for Tuesday, with the South African team taking the field first at 1:30 PM. The Indian team, including stars like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, will train later at 5:30 PM, as confirmed by the Chhattisgarh State Cricket Sangh (CSCS). In a unique opportunity, around 30 local cricketers have been shortlisted to assist both teams in the nets, offering them invaluable experience.
Stadium Ready for a Full House and Enhanced Experience
The stadium, which is hosting only its third international match, expects a packed crowd. To ensure a superior experience, authorities have made significant upgrades. The venue will feature 40 ultra-high-quality cameras, including a debutant spider cam, for comprehensive television coverage. For spectator comfort, 22 large water filters have been installed, and vendors have been mandated to display rate charts clearly to avoid overcharging.
In a commendable move ahead of World Disability Day, the CSCS has announced free entry and transport for all differently-abled players across the state.
Ticket Demand and Security Measures
The high demand for tickets has, unfortunately, led to illegal activities. The Civil Lines Police arrested two individuals, Ritik Makija and Devvrat Makija from Fafadih, for allegedly purchasing and reselling tickets at inflated prices. The arrest followed a cordon-and-search operation near Bharat Mata Chowk on November 30.
To manage the sale fairly, authorities have restricted purchases to a maximum of four tickets per ID. A total of approximately 46,000 tickets have been made available for the spectators. This venue has previously hosted an ODI between India and New Zealand in 2023 and a T20I between India and Australia in 2024.
With the series on the line, all preparations are in place for an electrifying encounter in the Chhattisgarh capital as India looks to deliver a commanding performance.
