Indian cricketers wish safety to fans after Mumbai floods

Indian cricketers are playing for their country away from home but are keeping a close eye on the situation in Mumbai. Even though they are currently in Sri Lanka, openers Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, and all-rounder Hardik Pandya have taken to social media to ask their fans and loved ones to stay safe during the incessant rains and flooding in Mumbai.

Rains bring Mumbai to a standstill

The Met Department sounded a “red alert” for heavy rains in the maximum city, which reported nearly 300 mm of rain in some parts on Tuesday. As a precaution, schools and colleges had been closed with the Maharashtra government asking all non-essential government staff to stay at home if the rain persists.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Mumbai recorded 102 mm of rainfall and the suburbs of the city saw a staggering 316 mm rainfall between 8.30 am and 8.30 pm on Tuesday, IANS reported. As a result of rain and strong winds, Mumbai saw their rail, road and air services paralyzed. It also resulted in uprooting trees and sinking homes in low-lying areas.

Shikhar Dhawan wrote: “Hope everyone is safe. Please stay indoors and help out in every way possible. Also, please help the injured birds and animals. #mumbairains.”

Hope everyone is safe. Please stay indoors and help out in every way possible. Also, please help the injured birds and animals. #mumbairains

— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) August 29, 2017

Rohit Sharma wrote, “Hearing lots of people have stood up to help stranded people & animals, kudos! Stay safe Mumbai.”

Hearing lots of people have stood up to help stranded people & animals, kudos! Stay safe Mumbai

— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) August 29, 2017

All-rounder Hardik decided to pass important numbers to those in trouble and re-tweeted a tweet from Mumbai Indians.

? Heavy Rain alert ?
Mumbaikars, stay indoors, avoid waterfronts, do not panic.
Helpline numbers@MumbaiPolice: 100
BMC: 1916#MumbaiRains pic.twitter.com/ZiyrR8jNnz

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) August 29, 2017

Rahane re-tweeted a tweet from Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray for a photo of places where people could get help, if stranded.

Please RT to help those who are stranded. Will keep posting more. Find a place and stay indoors please. More heavy rain expected pic.twitter.com/N0VIntmGFK

— Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) August 29, 2017

India looking for a whitewash

The players are now preparing for their 4th ODI at Colombo on 31st August. India have already taken an unassailable lead of 3-0 in the series. Sri Lanka are yet to get their first win against their hosts who whitewashed them in Tests and are on their way for doing the same in the shorter format. Sri Lanka can take inspiration from what underdogs West Indies and Bangladesh did in Tests in order to put an end to their poor run in international cricket that has also turned the country’s fans against them.