We are Family

With the two IPL teams — Chennai Super Kings and Kings XI — camping in Chandigarh,the last couple of days saw a lot of action,both on and off the field. Though it was disappointing for many fans that the Indian captain,MS Dhoni’s spouse,Sakshi Rawat,remained reclusive,refusing even to step out of the lobby of Hotel Taj,where they were all staying,there were other ladies from the cricketing camp,who made the most of their trip.

One of them was Michelle Marsh,mother of the dapper Aussie cricketer Shaun Marsh,currently playing for Kings XI Punjab. Seen sampling quintessential Punjabi dishes at Hotel Mountview in Chandigarh,butter chicken clearly seemed to be her favourite. “It’s my first visit to India and I came with no preconceived notions. We tried a lot of grilled dishes,” said Michelle,who runs a bakery back home in Perth. Travelling with the team,she made the most of her spare time. “The people are very welcoming. We ventured out for a small shopping trip and I am really looking forward to picking up some handicrafts to take back with me,” said Michelle.

Interestingly,several members of the Marsh family are involved in this season of IPL. While Shaun is part of KXIP,his brother Mitchell Marsh plays for Pune Warriors. Their father and former Australian cricketer,selector and coach,

Geoff Marsh is the coach for Pune Warriors. “Cricket runs in our blood and I am here to offer all the support for another week,” said Michelle Marsh,who also has a daughter who is national basketball player in Australia. When asked which IPL team she was supporting,Michelle said,“I am supporting my family and enjoy to watch them play. May the best team win.”