Anand rang the bell and I stood there, and looked stupid: Magnus Carlsen

The first-ever day-night Test in India turned out to be a star-studded affair! Not only did the fans throng to the stadium to witness the feat, but celebrities from all walks of life were also invited to mark the occasion. Apart from the Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and West Bengal’s Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Legends of Indian cricket like Nari Contractor, Kapil Dev, Anil Kumble, Mithali Raj, Jhulan Goswami, Rahul Dravid and celebrated sportsmanlike multiple-times Chess champion Vishwanathan Anand, Magnus Carlsen, Mary Kom, Gopichand and each and every member of the Bangladesh Cricket team who featured their country’s maiden Test match against India back in 2000 were invited to witness the historic occasion.

One of the traditions that the Cricket Association of Bengal has taken forward in the past few years is the customary ringing of the bell before the start of a match. Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina and West Bengal’s CM Mamata Banerjee had rung the bell to kickstart the opening day of the Pink Ball Test and then it was the turn of the champion duo of Vishwanathan Anand and Magnus Carlsen to do the honours. However, according to Carlsen, he looked “stupid” while he and Anand were ringing the bell on the second day. 

“What happened is, Anand rang the bell and I stood there, and looked stupid. That would be my summary of the match. I have a lot to learn when it comes to cricket.” Carlsen was quoted by SportStar.

Is the match still on or it’s over? asked Magnus Carlsen

The Test match was a short affair with India making light work of the hapless Bangladesh unit in a mere two days and 47 minutes, and Carlsen, who admitted that he needs to work on his cricket knowledge, quipped if the match was still going on, something that evoked thunderous laughter from all those listening following his impeccable performance in the nine-rapid games of the Tata Steel chess.

“Is the match still on or it’s over?” When told India won, the World champion did some loud thinking…“So… no more chances of going there!” asked Carlsen.

India won the second Test at the Eden Gardens by an innings & 46 runs- their fourth successive win by an innings margin- a world record!

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