Mid-day

Mumbai, Mar 20: After another backbreaking day at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, all that our cricketers wanted was some respite - from flashbulbs, from star-struck fans and news-hungry journalists.

But autograph-hunters were reluctant to spare the Men in Blue, who are playing the crucial third and final test match against England.

Till late last night, enthusiastic fans thronged the lobby of Taj Mahal Hotel. As skipper Rahul Dravid shied away from public view, a group of 15 teenagers chased him upto the hotel’s shopping centre.

“No questions please. I’ve had a long day… I’m sorry, I need rest,” mumbled Dravid.

The disappointed fans then turned towards English commentator Geoffrey Boycott, who obliged their demands for autograph.

He even posed for photographs before he stepped into a car.

When asked about India’s chances of winning the match, Boycott answered, “Roobish, it’s anyone’s game. As of now, India seems more vulnerable.” If India win this match, it will clinch the series.

The next target was spinner Anil Kumble, basking in the glory of claiming his 500th Test wicket at the last match in Mohali.

As fans jostled with each other to congratulate the bowler, Kumble thanked them in Kannada, “Dhanyavaad-agalu”. Kumble then signed autographs and posed with the 30-odd fans in the lobby before he took leave.