As cricketers of Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore pad up for their IPL clash in Ranchi, they might spot Arun Kumar Sinha also donning pads in the stands.

The member of Bihar Legislative Assembly from Kumhrar always puts on pads while watching cricket matches. He is planning to go to Ranchi to see the tie at Jharkhand State Cricket Association International Stadium on May 12.

“If I get time, I would like to catch a match in Ranchi,” he said on Monday. Asked why he puts on cricketing gear while watching matches, the BJP leader said: “It makes me feel like I’m a cricketer.” He added that though he liked all formats of the game, the T20 was his favourite because of its fast pace.

The sixth edition of the greatest carnival of the shortest format of cricket — Indian Premier League — is slated to begin on Wednesday. Though none of the matches will be played in Bihar, cricket lovers in the Assembly and Council are very excited, as the capital of neighbouring Jharkhand will play host to two home matches of KKR. While the majestic Eden Gardens in Calcutta is the home ground of the Shah Rukh Khan-owned team, Ranchi is its second home this year. Besides the clash with RCB, the defending champions would also take on Pune Warriors India in Ranchi on May 15.

Another senior politician of the state who might be in Ranchi is leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, Abdul Bari Siddiqui. A fan of KKR, he said: “I like IPL because it provides a platform to young players to showcase their talents.” He added that he wanted KKR to retain the cup. Art, culture and youth affairs minister Sukhada Pandey, too, has shown interest in visiting Ranchi to watch the IPL.