It’s hectic for the Wankhede groundsmen, too

For these Wankhede Stadium groundsmen, work did not end with the World Cup final on April 2

It's hectic for the Wankhede groundsmen, too

For these Wankhede Stadium groundsmen, work did not end with the World Cup final on April 2

We come, watch and applaud a good game of cricket, but hardly spare a thought for those working tirelessly behind the scenes to give us a memorable experience. Groundsmen are these behind-the-scenes men, with their long hours of work, but pay packets that do not do justice to the kind of labour they put in.

Dream team:u00a0The Wankhede ground staff pose for MiD DAY. Standing
left to right: Vijay Tambe, Lalsuram Jaiswal, Nitin More, Sudhir Naik
(curator), Ramesh Mahmunkar (assistant curator), Madhukar Botle
(assistant curator), Suresh Reshim, Ashok Khaire, Chandramani Khaire.
Sitting left to right: Nitin Mohite, Amit Marchande, Vasant Mohite, Suresh
Khaire, Ram Dulari, Sumit Marchande Pic/Suresh KK

Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium has been in the focus off late. So much so that curator Sudhir Naik's dedicated dozen, the 12-man team of groundsmen have not got an off day since the World Cup kicked off in February. They are unlikely to get one till the Indian Premier League (IPL) is over in May.

"It has been quite tiring for all of us. We have been working since January. We had very little time to complete the work (relaying the wicket) on time. During the World Cup, it was very hectic as there was immense pressure to deliver a good wicket for the final," Naik told MiD DAY.

Beyond World Cup
After the World Cup, the ground had to be ready to host the ongoing slam-bang IPL games. The Churchgate stadium hosts seven Mumbai Indians (MI) matches apart from the first qualifier and eliminator. During the World Cup, there were three matches at the venue including of course the final, when Wankhede erupted in joy as
M S Dhoni buried Sri Lankan hopes right there, on the 22-yard strip that Naik and men had made.

Hardly had the sweat dried on cricketers, than the 20:20 tamasha was upon us, those spectators still have an appetite for the game, the groundsmen are in desperate need of a break. "We desperately need some rest, but I don't know if it will be possible. The hot weather leaves us drained. We do get paid for working beyond our duty hours, but getting rest is equally important. We start our day early and work till late night at times," said one groundsman, Lalsuram Jaiswal, dark circles around his eyes attest to his statement. Wankhede groundsmen are paid between Rs 3000 to 15,000 depending on their seniority.u00a0

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has yet to announce any reward to their groundsmen. The players too forgot to give 'bakshish' (reward) to them after the World Cup final on April 2. Normally, players give them something after the match, but in the euphoria of winning the World Cup, there is a possibility that it slipped their mind. "Zaheer Khan has assured me that he will speak to the other members of the team and collect the money," said Naik, who is the India speedster's coach at the National Cricket Club.

City cricket's doughty dozen
The 12 groundsmen who ensure all is well at the
Wankhede Stadium. Their tasks are bracketed:
* Vijay Tambe (to carry out instructions given by the curator)u00a0
* Lalsuram Jaiswal (to roll and water the wicket, level the outfield)
* Nitin More (to operate super sopper and water outfield)
* Suresh Reshim (grass-cutting chief)
* Nitin Mohiteu00a0 (grass-cutting assistant)
* Ashok Khaire (has to erect nets, water the outfield, mark 30, 50 yards and boundary line
* Chandramani Khaire (same tasks as Ashok Khaire)
* Sumit Marchande (erect nets, water the outfield and spray chemicals on the outfield)
* Vasant Mohiteu00a0 (operate the hand roller)
* Ram Dulari (helper)
* Suresh Khaire (helper)
* Amit Marchande (helper)u00a0