‘Spectators are charm of the match’
| Date :16-Nov-2020 |
By Anupam Soni :
Vidarbha umpire Ulhas Gandhe, who just returned after end of the 13th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL), after having his life in bio-bubble for close to two months, termed the job as a very good and rich experience.
AS AN umpire, life becomes quite easy out there in the middle if one is officiating on field with no spectators. There are chances that one may miss sound of a faint edge or ‘click’ that is produced when a bat is much closer to pads when the crowd is roaring, more so in the shortest format of the game where there is non-stop cheering. But Vidarbha’s umpire Ulhas Gandhe, who just returned after end of the 13th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL), after having his life in bio-bubble for close to two months, rued the absence of crowd terming them as ‘charm’ of the match.
The former Ranji Trophy player, who turned 46 last month, talked to ‘The Hitavada’ in a free-wheeling interview.
The excerpts:
How has been the overall experience?
It was a very good and rich experience. To be able to get on-field umpiring in IPL is itself a big achievement. Most of the big players including international superstars take part in the event. The matches were also very competitive and we even got to see two Super Overs (in one match) this season. I got a chance to officiate as on-filed umpire in three matches, as third umpire I did two games and was fourth umpire for as many as ten games. Plus, I did two women’s game on-field and one as fourth umpire.
This was my second year in a row that I got to do on-field and third umpire’s role. Earlier, in 2014-15 season, I was fourth umpire in four matches. I was in Abu Dhabi for all IPL matches and later shifted to Dubai for women’s matches that were held in Sharjah. In first half of the tournament, it was quite hot but later the weather became pleasant.
Tell us something about life in bio-bubble. One has to accept the situation to move forward. If you let negativity creep in saying that Ye main kahan phas gaya, then it will be a big problem. You have to devise ways to counter it. You can still do a lot in the bio-bubble. Initially, we were quarantined in a hotel room for seven days with the food served to us in our room (single occupancy). Most of us (the match officials) would do regular fitness exercises in the room.
I had taken a skipping rope along with me and by having music on bluetooth speaker I would play the music and work out. Internet also helped us to relax (watch movies) and we also practiced for the third umpire’s role. Players and match officials were in bio-bubble 1, TV crew and commentators were in BB2 and so on. But none had interaction with each other. We were regularly tested for COVID every 4-5 days. We never violated the bio-bubble but kudos to the management committee for taking efforts and having a perfect setting. Hats off to BCCI and IPL.
What are the effects of auto-no balls on on-field as well as third umpires? The auto-no ball is very beneficial for the on-field umpires. It has in a way, increased the work load of the third umpire. One has to check every ball and the time slot is very minimal. Then one has to look into the reviews and referrals... all on one monitor. One cannot see a lot of live game. There has to be a great focus — it has in a way become a surgeon’s work. But it was a great experience and a good exposure doing the third umpire’s demanding job. I also got chance to decide on referrals. The thing is, one has to get used to the system.
There were no spectators. How you see to it? To be frank, as an (on-field) umpire it is beneficial. When there is crowd, to pick up caught-behind and bat-pad noise is very difficult. Even it is tough to hear third umpire’s instructions on walkie-talkie during a full house. With crowd it is very challenging for us. But believe me, everybody including players, organisers and others, missed the crowd. Crowd is charm of the sport. We were missing crowd and that mahol.. but to their credit, the organisers had DJ, clappers and other tools for entertainment. The DJs would cheer players for their good efforts on the field.
What has been your most savouring cricketing moment on the field this IPL? KL Rahul had a great time with the bat and I was lucky enough to be watching one of his knocks for Kings XI Punjab against KKR. As a fourth umpire, I was mesmerised by big-hitting capability of Chris Gayle. In bowling, I saw Lockie Fergusson of KKR pick a five-for. Theses were the moments I liked the most.
What are your further aspirations? My target is to become ICC panel umpire in the coming years. IPL is also a good platform to impress those in the know of things there and I think I have done a good job this season. Also, I would like to take this opportunity to thank my employers AG Office, Vidarbha Cricket Association, BCCI and IPL for their continuos encouragement and faith in me.