Bhubaneswar: Team India arrived in Bhubaneswar on Friday to a hero’s welcome as they touched down for the second ODI against England, set to be played at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on Sunday. The atmosphere at Biju Patnaik International Airport was electric as fans and officials from the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) gathered to greet the Indian squad.
A special red carpet was rolled out at their team hotel, where a traditional folk dance performance was arranged to welcome the players.
The reception reached a fever pitch when Indian batting stalwart Virat Kohli stepped onto the red carpet. Fans erupted in cheers, chanting his name as he acknowledged their love with a smile.
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In a heartwarming moment, a senior member of the hotel staff greeted Kohli with a warm hug. The former Indian captain took a moment to converse with the staff member before making his way inside.
Skipper Rohit Sharma, too, received a rousing welcome from the fans, stopping briefly to share a few words with the same hotel staff member before proceeding.
The Indian team will look to build on their strong start after clinching the first ODI in Nagpur. A victory in Cuttack will see them seal the three-match series, while England will be desperate to bounce back and force a decider.
Both teams are scheduled to have net practice at Barabati Stadium on Saturday, with England training from 1 PM to 4 PM, followed by India from 5 PM to 8 PM.
