The high-voltage India vs West Indies clash in the T20 World Cup Super Eight stage at Eden Gardens delivered plenty of drama on the field, but a mid-innings spectacle inside the stadium also became a talking point. Former India captains Sunil Gavaskar and Ravi Shastri openly questioned the need for a laser show during the drinks break, suggesting it could potentially affect players’ concentration during a crucial phase of the match.

India were 53/2 at the end of the powerplay while chasing a stiff 196-run target. As the scheduled drinks interval began, the stadium lights were dimmed, and a laser show lit up the venue, briefly plunging the ground into darkness. While it added entertainment for the crowd, the sudden shift in lighting conditions raised concerns among the commentators.

Speaking during the broadcast, Sunil Gavaskar pointed out that such visual interruptions could make it difficult for batters to quickly refocus once play resumes.

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“The laser show during the two-and-a-half or three minutes of the drinks break… it’s not easy on the batters, or anybody for that matter,” Sunil Gavaskar said on commentary. “To get your eyes used to the light, to get the bright lights again, you have darkness around you,” he added.

The legendary opener also questioned whether such entertainment was necessary in a global tournament of this stature. Gavaskar noted that while similar spectacles might suit franchise leagues like the Indian Premier League, the same approach may not be ideal in high-stakes international matches.

“You have a laser thing going on. This is the World Cup. And for two and a half minutes, do you need this kind of entertainment?” Sunil Gavaskar remarked. Shastri echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the difficulty players face in regaining focus after such interruptions. “And from the players’ point of view, to switch back on, is never easy. It’s serious stuff,” he said.

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Despite the mid-innings debate, India held their nerve in the tense chase. A brilliant unbeaten 97 from Sanju Samson guided the defending champions to a thrilling five-wicket victory, chasing down 196 with four balls to spare and booking a semifinal clash with England cricket team.