MUMBAI, May 17: It was a sad sight indeed to see Ramakant Achrekar, the Super Coach, standing outside the Wankhede Stadium at the start of the match, hoping to get a pass to see his famous proteges Indian skipper Sachin Tendulkar and Vinod Kambli in action.

As the frail, old man stood baking in the heat and humidity, there was no one from the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) to hear his plea.

Help came from the most unexpected quarters. One good-hearted gentleman informed the journalists covering the match of Achrekar's plight, and one of them took it upon himself to ensure that the MCA acted in the proper manner.

This is what we call step-motherly treatment for the father-figure of two of India's best batsmen.

IT SEEMS journalists were working overtime today in their role of good samaritans.

Heat got to another distinguished guest, State chief minister and President of the MCA, Mr Manohar Joshi. So when he started sweating profusely, guess where he ran to? The cool confines of the air-conditioned press box, of course!

Now, if you happen to be a non-sports journalist, it is almost impossible to get into the Press Box during any match in Mumbai. Chances are, you will be politely kicked out by a man possessing a very straight face and giving the impression that he last laughed when India won the World Cup in England.

But today, the Sports Journalists Association of Mumbai (SJAM) was in a magnaninmous mood, much in keeping with the Indian opening order.

You can count yourself lucky, Mr Joshi!

Talking of heat, much of it was being generated by the almost never-ending Cola War.

Pepsi spoiled Coke's party during the last World Cup with their `Nothing official about it' campaign, and Coca-Cola was in an avenging mood today. They did not come up with any smart slogan, instead deciding to hit Pepsi where it hurts most the sales figures.

Just for today, Coke re-priced their 500ml bottles at Rs 10, and there were hordes of salesman outside the stadium, offering Coke products at lower prices to the long-winding queue of fans.

Where did we read `This much heat can be dangerous...

While the multi-national giants were fighting it out, there was a war of different kind being waged simultaneously. This one pitched a David against a Goliath.

One man took it upon himself to challenge the might of Manikchand, the guthka manufacturers, who had put up a number of advertising boards inside the stadium. That man carried a placard, urging the spectators to `Say no to guthka'.

What started in a small Swiss football club, has well and truly caught up with the Mumbai cricket fans.

We are talking about fans painting their faces with the colour of flags. Their were a number of painted faces visible at the Wankhede today, some putting the tricolour on the forehead, while others had the cheek to put it on their cheeks.

One Mr Smart Alec decided to be different. He came to the stadium wrapped only in a towel, and had the national colours painted on his bare back. Whether he made it past the police barricades was not known.

THERE WAS a jolt for Abey Kuruvilla's fans the moment they entered the stadium. For, out their on the scoreboard, Abey's name was missing from the playing eleven and instead, Gagan Khoda's occupied a slot in the 11.

It turned out to be a mistake, which was quickly rectified.