This post is coming a bit late but I guess better that than never. I guess it was the same story with regards to the Mumbai Indians versus Delhi Daredevils match – my first ‘official’ visit to the press box at the Feroz Shah Kotla. I intended to reach early and I did – at 6.30 pm. But that was just the beginning as for the next ninety minutes I was embroiled in the worthless exercise that is finding a parking spot in the chaos that is Delhi traffic. 
Nevertheless I did find one at 8 pm sharp, the same time the first ball was bowled. From then on it was a matter of walking the distance of three-and-a-half kilometers in the swarm of fans looking for tickets, clueless policemen and chaotic traffic. By the time I stumbled into the box, Sanath Jayasuriya was out and Sachin Tendulkar had already made half of his 63 runs. Nevertheless it was a pleasure watching from then on.
The first thing I looked out for was the pitch. Kotla’s reputation in that regard has taken a hit. Personally I want the square to be well maintained and the ODI World Cup matches to be held here for a visit to the press-box next year would be even more of a topic to write upon. Any negative thoughts I had about that happening were quickly allayed as Saurabh Tiwary launched into the Delhi bowling.
It is utterly ridiculous when a team racks up 200 runs in T20 cricket two matches running and that too without Sanath Jayasuriya firing. One is not sure how many of the six remaining attacks would want to bowl at them now, least of all Kings XI and Rajasthan Royals. Let’s face it – the former have already been squished by Bangalore Royal Challengers and if they suffer once more like that, Preity Zinta will go mad. And with the current form that Rajasthan are showing, three losses in three matches at the time of writing, Shilpa Shetty surely doesn’t need another reason to go crazy.
The only Bollywood star screaming out his lungs at the moment must be Shah Rukh Khan. Kolkata Knight Riders have made a start that stands them better than the last two years and there is reason for optimism for Chris Gayle and Brendon McCullum haven’t faced a ball yet. For them, it can only get better from here.
