Indian cricket fans condemn fallen heroes

Upset at India's virtual exit from the World Cup, cricket fans today went berserk taking out 'funeral' processions, making bonfires of portraits of leading cricketers and throwing stones at a restaurant owned by bowler Zaheer Khan.

Security men were deployed at the residences of skipper Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, spinner Harbhajan Singh and wicketkeeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni to prevent any mob attacks.

Angry fans hurled stones at Zaheer Khan's popular restaurant in Pune, breaking glass panes and prompting security to be tightened in the area.

Reports of processions and burning of effigies have come in from places like Kanpur, Patna, Indore, Jalandhar, Pune as incensed cricket fans took to the streets to express their frustrations over India's pathetic World Cup campaign.

"Disband this team. We don't want big names, we want players who perform," an angry cricket fan said summing up the reaction of people at large after India lost to Sri Lanka by 69 runs in its Group B league match.

More than sadness, cricket lovers were angry against the players since there were high expectations from the team also seen as front-runners by some former players.

The only way the beleaguered Indians can still survive in the showpiece event is if minnows Bermuda can pull off a miraculous win over Bangladesh in their last league match tomorrow.