Tigers make inroads on Indian fan base

Dhaka, May 8 (UNI) There is a significant difference about India's tour of Bangladesh this time. The hero-worship is there, but there is competition now.

Last time when Team India, led by Sourav Ganguly, came calling here they were demigods. People lined the roads to have a glimpse of the cricketers from across the western borders. They thronged the airport. They laid siege of the hotel. The practice ground drew crowd like one expects on match days.

It's the same that happens in the football crazy cities of India when a Bayern Munich or an AC Milan junior team comes. Or even when former Brazilian star Leonardo comes as a goodwill ambassador.

All that is here still now. There is adulation. There is craze.

There are hysteric shrieks of joy from young ladies at the sight of the stars. But the attention is divided. Bangladesh have its own heroes now.

Yusuf, a strapping college goer, says, ''Indians have huge fans here. But we have our own stars now and they are big crowd pullers.'' With two wins against India in recent times, the second one being most devastating in its effect, and wins over Australia, New Zealand and South Africa under the able tutelage of Dav Whatmore, the Bangladeshis have grown faith on their players. And the new crop of cricketers are not disappointing the fans either.

Mohammed Ashraful is perhaps the biggest revolution in Bangladesh. Already a veteran at 23, the right hand bat is stylish, aggressive run getter and a charmer. Add to this list Mashrafe Mortaza, Tamim Iqbal, who got his rookie contract two days ago, and Abdur Razzak.

The four have already earned the status of heroes in Bangladesh.

Captain Habibul Bashar, with his soft spoken nature and good natured demeanour has always been a darling of the crowd.

''Tamim is quite a batsman. Don't you agree,'' a hotel waiter asked journalists promptly.

Tamim and Abdur Razzak became instant heroes after their exploits in the World Cup, and even India had to make separate preparations during the camp to tackle the orthodox left arm spin.

India capatin Rahul Dravid on his arrival said, ''Most of the players in Bangladesh are young and new and we did not have a fair idea about them. But we are more prepared now.'' Reshma, one of the curious onlookers when the Indian team arrived, said, ''The fact that Sachin Tendulkar and dada (Sourav Ganguly) have not come is a huge disappointment.'' But she did not forget to mention, ''I have also come to see Ashraful.'' There were several hundreds of them alright and they were screaming in ecstasy. But one could not help think this time the attention was not undivided for the Men in Blue, the Bangladeshi Tigers do have a fair share.

The flowing mane of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the cocky arrogance of Yuvraj Singh and the elegance of Rahul Dravid is there alright, but they have a battle in hand and have to inspire themselves to do better than the best.

So, when the teams meet on May 10 at Sher-e-Bangla stadium, the Indian team better be prepared as the bigger noise and applause will be reserved for the home side this time.

UNI