February 19

Surprisingly easy win, but Whatmore isn’t pleased about something. South African 12th man Sybrand Engelbrecht is on the field for all 50 overs. The world comes to know about the new Jonty much later in the tournament, but Whatmore has spotted him already.

February 20

Selector Rakesh Parikh wants a haircut, the team is asking ‘what to wear’ questions and the manager is busy making calls. The Indians have been invited by the High Commissioner. At the nets, ’keeper Shreevats Goswami gets hit on the head by a stray ball. The think-tank rushes to him. It’s a false alarm, Shreevats is smiling. Asked 20 times about the IPL auction. Twenty times say “don’t know”.

February 21

Million-dollar auction is a reminder to change a couple of 100 dollar bills. The players are tight-lipped about the auction but someone whispers that Tanmay has got a call from Shah Rukh Khan. “No, it was a board official from UP,” someone counters. Repeatedly asked “How much will I get?” Religiously say “don’t know”.

February 22

Could have told Virat Kohli “about a million” yesterday, as he plays a knock of the tournament against the West Indies. 100 from 74 balls, and the flora and fauna around Kinrara felt threatened. South African team cheers from fence as India’s win takes them to quarters. As Shreevats flicks a throw over his head on to stumps; South African coach calls one his wards to have a look. Indians are making heads turn.

... contd.