Chris Gayle joins the fun as West Indies get a 'Caribbean style' welcome at Perth (Images courtesy: Tourism Western Australia/ Travis Hayto)
India are all set to clash with West Indies on Friday, at Perth. Although, India are favourites going into the game, West Indies have the ability to surprise any team on their day. Both teams are familiar to each other and in many ways, the battle would be between very dear IPL teammates.('India Can Celebrate Holi, we Will Celebrate a Win')
However, the two sides are warming up for Friday's encounter in starkly different ways.(Shastri Not Surprised by India's Turnaround)
West Indies are a colourful side. They enjoy their game on-field and play with a song in their heart. Owing to that same spirit, they decided to put on a show for their fans off the field.(Fun and All That Jazz, West Indian Style)
Chris Gayle and Andre Russell enthrall fans in Perth. (Images courtesy: Tourism Western Australia/ Travis Hayto)
� West Indies arrived in Perth and received a grand welcome in front of thousands of adoring fans on Sunday. The Western Australia Minister for Tourism Dr Kim Hames played host for the team and Jason Holder, the Windies captain, presented him with a jersey.(India Most Complete Team: Lloyd)
The 12-year-old Jamaican Tahj Reid kicked off the festivities by singing the West Indies Cricket Anthem 'A Cappella'. He was followed by the 12-piece Perth Pandemix Steel Orchestra, who performed a mix of modern and Caribbean music. Then, Chris Gayle took over the stage. Musicians Grace Barbe and Crucial Rockers called on the flamboyant West Indian opener and the welcome event turned into a party.(Windies Ready for Challenge, Caribbean Style)
Gayle, being his usual jovial self, danced and sang to entertain the crowd and was joined by his team-mate Andre Russell. Russell had been in terrific form this World Cup and the Kolkata Knight Riders all-rounder bossed the stage as well. Along with Gayle, he took to the microphone and dazzled everyone with his rapping skills.
The Reggae and Calypso Funk got both the crowd and the stars swaying and the fans enjoyed the impromptu performances from their heroes. They even got to click selfies with them!
While, West Indies were blowing off the steam mingling with the fans, India, kept a low profile.
As has been the trend in this World Cup, the Indian team has kept a distance from the media and spent their time mostly in hotel rooms. MS Dhoni, the Indian skipper, doesn't believe in practicing too much before a game, especially, when India has been on such a long and excruciating tour.
Although not as flamboyant as the West Indies, India, during this World Cup, have opted for innovating ways to recover from the rigors of the game. Just before the World Cup started, a few members along with Dhoni went on a hiking trip.
In an effort to eliminate boredom, the coaches has come up with new training schedules and Dhoni, himself, has taken the initiative to invite various team members out to dinner.
While the Windies enjoyed their song and dance, it was business as usual for Team Dhoni in the nets.
© AFP
The main objective for Team India has been to keep the team 'fresh' and till now, things have worked for them. The players have looked rejuvenated and the team has been on top of their game.
West Indies, on the other hand, has been inconsistent. They have dazzled in one game while have wilted too fast in the others.
Two flamboyant teams will collide at Perth on the occasion of 'Holi' -- the festival of colours. Both teams have players who, on their day, can paint any canvas with their own shade. Will Virat Kohli apply his master-stroke? Or will Gayle splash all the colours in his palate? Will it be someone else?
Friday will answer that.
However, one thing's for sure, a choc-a-bloc WACA will turn up for a party dressed in maroon and blue!
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