Go east, go west, North Stand is the best

Fans at North Stand during the second Test between India and New Zealand at Wankhede Stadium yesterday. Pic/Harit N Joshi

A person coming to the Wankhede Stadium for the first time may not identify with the iconic North Stand since there is no signage. However, the section's characteristics are very much intact.

It undoubtedly remains the noisiest stand at the Wankhede. There is banter, chants and slogans for each player and the spectators are relentless until the player acknowledges them. When the AR Rehman hit Vande Mataram is sung in unison, it can give anyone goosebumps. The famous Mexican wave is a favourite. The fans here feel they are part of the Indian team and believe in creating an atmosphere that motivates the players to bring out something extra.

The chants of his name certainly pumped-up Mohammed Siraj as he bowled a dream spell of four overs on Saturday to rattle the New Zealand top order with three wickets in their first innings. The Indian pacer was welcomed in similar fashion on Sunday.

Also Read: IND vs NZ, 2nd Test: India 69/0 in second innings at stumps, lead by 332 runs

Fans and fervour

The North Stand fans are loyalists. Just 3,000 odd tickets went up for public sale due to 25 per cent COVID-19 restrictions. But cricket fan Krupesh Ved, who managed an MCA Pavilion ticket [which is not for sale], decided to sit in the Tier III of the North Stand instead of watching the proceedings from the MCA Pavilion which is at Level I and closer to the dressing rooms. Another fan, Tanmay Shah decided to shun his Garware Pavilion seat and move to the North Stand. Vipul Yadav, a brand manager with a FMCG firm, took a five-day break from his job for the Test. Yadav and a few hardcore fans are trying to keep the North Stand significance active not just on the ground, but also on social media. Through their Twitter handle NorthStandGang, they amplify the significance of this iconic stand. "Honestly, we were a bit surprised that the North Stand signage has been replaced by the Dilip Vengsarkar Stand. But it's a wonderful gesture because Vengsarkar is a stalwart. Since it is named after a cricketer, the fans don't mind it. He thoroughly deserves this honour. It doesn't really matter that the North Stand name is not there anymore. A small mention also somewhere would have been nice. The vibe and feel of this stand will stay the same. It doesn't change anything for us. It will continue to be the stand for crazy fans," said Yadav, who has designed a North Stand Gang t-shirt that they wear for matches.

Cheering for Mumbaikars

On the weekend, the decibels went a notch higher, thanks to Blue Pilgrims, a group of Indian football fans, who joined the party. Their football-like chants and trademark songs and slogans ensured there wasn't a dull moment during the Test. Whenever Mumbaikar Shreyas Iyer came out to bat, the chant would be: "You are one of us, Shreyas Iyer." It was similar for Suryakumar Yadav, who was called upon a few times as substitute or with drinks.

In a sense, the North Stand lives on.

Also Read: Umpires booed at Wankhede after Kohli's dismissal