Bat of hope for Men in Blue

The handing over of the giant bat -- signed by more than one lakh people across the City -- by KN Tilak Kumar, Editor, Deccan Herald, to Dhoni marked the culmination of a Deccan Herald-Prajavani initiative that was received enthusiastically by Bangalore’s cricket-lovers.For ten days, the giant bat mounted on a big truck attracted numerous fans desirous of wishing the team good luck in its World Cup campaign, but who didn’t have the opportunity to do so.

Deccan Herald-Prajavani facilitated the coming to fruition of their desire by providing the fans with the medium to do so.

Numerous sporting, Sandalwood and political personalities jumped at the chance to encourage the team and offer their support, the likes of World chess champion Viswanathan Anand and former Indian captain Rahul Dravid being joined by cine stars Upendra and Ambareesh as well as Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa, among others.

“I won’t be able to bat with this!” Dhoni joked as he received the large acrylic bat inside which were enclosed all messages from the numerous fans desperate to see Dhoni’s team emulate Kapil Dev’s Class of ’83, and Sachin Tendulkar with a World Cup winner’s medal around his neck.