Ahead of the third and final ‘do-or-die’ match of the India vs New Zealand ODI series in Indore, Indian skipper Shubman Gill has made headlines for reportedly bringing a specialised water purifier worth Rs 3 Lakh with him to the team hotel ahead of the game.
Indian team management has not yet issued a response to the media reports clarifying whether this was the player’s personal safety protocol or linked to the city’s recent water contamination issue. However fans on the internet speculate the ‘water purifier purchase’ to be linked to Indore’s recent water contamination crisis that claimed the lives of 23 residents of the state.
According to a NDTV report, the young Indian skipper had brought along a specialised water purification machine worth nearly Rs 3 lakh with him when the team had first arrived at the hotel. The device is capable of re-purifying even RO-treated and packaged bottled water. Gill has reportedly kept the machine installed in his hotel room.
The Indian team has been presently stationed in Indore to prepare for their upcoming tie breaker against New Zealand at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore. With the result presently tied 1-1, this fixture will act as a kind of a final for the ongoing New Zealand tour of India as Shubman Gill looks to win his first ODI series as captain.
Why is the Indian team in Indore?
The pitch at the Holkar Stadium is known to be batting-friendly, with short boundaries that often lead to high-scoring games. Clear weather is expected, but dew might be a factor in the evening, potentially benefiting the team batting second and making the toss crucial. The game would also mark the final game of the series for cricket giants Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma who are presently only playing the 50-over format.
Indore’s water crisis
The Indian team’s choice to exercise caution comes amid grim realities on the ground. Often claimed as one of India’s cleanest cities, Indore has recently been in the national spotlight for a contaminated water crisis.
In Indore’s Bhagirathpura area contamination in the drinking water supply had led to a severe public health emergency. The contamination is suspected to have occurred due to mixing of sewage with potable water pipelines, exposing residents to water-borne infections.
As per a PTI report the tragedy has claimed 23 lives so far. While the government has acknowledged 15 deaths in the High Court, compensation has been provided to 21 families. Of the six patients currently in the ICU, one has been shifted to a general ward, while three remain on ventilator support for an extended period.