India fans head to the Gabba ahead of third Test against Australia
Brisbane has gone India-crazy as superfans make the trek to the Gabba ahead of Saturday’s opening day of the third cricket Test.
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Brisbane has gone India-crazy as superfans make the trek to the Gabba ahead of Saturday’s opening day of the third cricket Test.
While Thursday’s training session for the tourists wasn’t officially announced to the public, fans still came from all over to catch a glimpse of the stars in action.
Shifa Ahuja took her two children Soham, 5, and Krisha, 1, to see the team, which sits 1-1 in the series against Australia.
Soham had brought his binoculars to get a closer look at his idol, batter KL Rahul.
“Soham and his father are big fans of the cricket so it is great that we can come out and see his biggest heroes play,” Ms Ahuja said.
“They have been waiting for a very long time to see them here.”
The family plan to see day one before heading on a flight to India to visit family at night.
“We were going to go overseas earlier but we postponed our flight to see his match,” she said.
Krish Makadia, 12, said he had always wanted to see his idols in person and was excited to watch them on the television.
“I am very excited I can’t believe I get to see them so close,” he said.
“I really want to see the Australian team too and Travis Head.”
Earlier at the Sofitel, security guards lined up along the main entrance as the team filed out to their bus.
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Gold Coast locals Jet Parikh and Samareh Shah said they got up at 6am and to Brisbane to catch a glimpse of their favourite team.
“I have been playing cricket since I was three. We both love cricket so we had to come down and see them,” Mr Parikh said.
“Fortunately my work is nearby so it worked out well for me. I saw they were staying at the Sofitel on social media.
“We will be going to watch all five days of the test. Cricket in India is a religion, so there are no doubt going to be heaps of fans there.”
Mr Shah said they were disappointed that this Test might be the last time they see Virat Kohli play in Queensland
“It is very sad but we also have some really good new players too,” he said.