Locals look for ways to skip work as India take on Australia in Ranchi

RANCHI: With Mahendra Singh Dhoni set to lead his boys against Australia for a place in the World Cup final in Sydney on Thursday, people from his hometown on Wednesday took to prayers, pujas and havans to evoke the Gods in India's favour.
Bit by the cricket bug, Ranchiites spent the day mulling over ways to skip work and cheer the team all the way to a thumping win.
"My country needs me on Thursday.I want a leave, which I call the patriotism leave"- a message did the rounds on the social networking sites at noon.
Similar sentiments echoed across the corridors of government departments. From senior officials to junior staff, all expresstheir willingness to skip work.
"It is no less than the finals for Australia is the only opposition that can match our game in this tournament," said Sudesh Verma, a clerk at the forest department in Doranda. "There is no way I will miss it," he said, peering over a file on his table.
For higher officials in the health department though, it was a tough call. "With the financial year coming to a close, a whole lot of work is pending. How can I afford to bunk?" reasoned one official pulling a long face.
Others came up with weird excuses. "I am painting my home tomorrow, which will keep me busy," Sashank, an IT professional wrote to his boss.
Others agreed to watch the game ball by ball on their office television sets. The smarter ones, however, said they would stream the game on their workstations. "Why not use technology?" said Aniket Kothari, a private banker.
Those who are always on the move, hopped into electronic stores in Daily Market to grab Chinese made pocket television sets. Priced between Rs 800-Rs 1000, the gadgets made brisk business with many sales representatives buying it.
Movie theatres across the town also announced live telecast of the matches, throwing it open to the youths of the city. Eateries slashed their rates to witness more footfalls on match day.