City fans gear up to beat the heat at Eden face-off

Cricket superfans can’t keep calm for the Kolkata-Punjab match today. The mercury is not the only thing soaring this month in Kolkata, the spirit and will power of the fans also refuse to come down. While the Kolkata and Punjab face-off today is an evening match, the real feel is expected to be 43°C. We spoke to some superfans about how they plan to stay cool and beat the heat.

Have you heard about Ashok Chakraborty , the man who hasn’t missed a single Kolkata match ? This super fan runs a stationery shop in Nabadwip and makes sure to go for each match with grandeur. “It takes five hours to reach Eden Gardens from my home in Nabadwip. I start my body painting two hours before the match starts. While the heat is unbearable, I’ll keep myself hydrated with electrolytes and have the same excitement,” said Chakraborty

For some, the heat means nothing if they stand a chance to get a glimpse of Shah Rukh Khan . Fans are ready to dress up much like this superfan who wore a collage of SRK and the Kolkata team

The West Indies Cricket pacer Andre Dwayne Russell is in for an early birthday surprise this Friday as Kolkata team fans have decided to celebrate his birthday. “Russell’s birthday is on April 29, but we’ve decided to create his cut-outs and a cake for him and may be also make him cut the cake, if possible,” said Chaman Gupta

The heat hits the head first, they say. “I prefer carrying caps, goggles and a wet towel to keep my head covered. I’m a die-hard cricket fan and will be there for the Friday match but with all precautions taken care of,” said Erfan Elahi, a sports enthusiast and entrepreneur. He added, “A light-coloured T-shirt that covers the upper body helps in staying cool”

Plans to beat the heat
Staying hydrated is the key, say fans. “On match day, I’m going make sure to stay hydrated with fruit juice and ORS,” said Soham Bal, a sports management student. “The stands are windy, water distributed by the management also helps,” added John Gomes, another cricket fan.