Treading a familiar path in Bangalore ......

The Champions League T20 is off and running and as is the norm with any high profile event of significant duration it has not been without its surprises and subsequent casualties.

The showcase of talent on offer has captured the imagination and support for the event in India has been staggering. From the players' perspective the organisation of the tournament has also been extraordinary with all and sundry expressing gratitude for the high level of efficiency.

The standout performance so far has been that sublime knock in the first game by JP Duminy that steered the Cobras home. It was a real treat to be able to savour that innings live in the company of 50 000 cricket fanatics who were lapping up every moment of excellence. It was undoubtedly a five-star performance.

This brings me nicely to the recently opened Royal Gardenia in Bangalore, which is home base for me in this city during my sojourn. It is a magnificent, modern, five-star, eco friendly hotel that is designed as an abode for the 'indulgent and aspiring traveller'. It offers an exceptional experience in one of the fastest growing cities in the world due to the IT explosion and nestles comfortably among the serenity of the numerous surrounding green parks.

One particular aspect caught my attention at this hotel in between shuttling almost daily to and from Bangalore and Hyderabad. These days, whenever possible, I head to the gym for a workout (yeah yeah - I know I have changed!) and upon entering I am always confronted by a large sign that screams loudly at me. It states in no uncertain terms that 'NO STREET SHOES ARE PERMITTED ON THE TREADMILLS'. 'Sounds simple enough,' I thought initially until I started wondering about the bizarre need for that proclamation. A few kilometres into my latest treadmill slog, I had a vivid flashback that suddenly explained everything.

Back in November 2005, while commentating on the India v South Africa Test series, I saw something that will be imprinted on my brain forever.

We were in the depressing city of Kanpur the day before the scheduled test was to begin and in a moment of madness (and boredom) I decided to visit the hotel gym. In those days that type of brain explosion was a rarity. I was about 15 minutes into a treadmill run when suddenly a local businessman entered the gym training area in suit and tie. There was nothing particularly unusual about that at the time, but what was about to unfold before my eyes was staggering.

To my disbelief my newfound training partner took of his suit jacket, removed his tie and shirt and then climbed onto the treadmill right next to me, simultaneously dumping his work attire in a heap on the floor. Without uttering a word he then proceeded to run 'hell for leather' for the next 30 minutes in zero air conditioning in stifling heat, wearing his black lace up work shoes, work socks, suit trousers and belt.

It was an astonishing sight and perspiration was pouring off him in buckets. When his 30 minute session was up, he jumped off the treadmill and, while totally drenched in sweat, proceeded to immediately adorn his shirt, tie and jacket! A quick glance at his watch and he was out the door in a flash!

I had never seen anything like it before and presumed I never would again.

I wonder, has the Kanpur sweat bucket relocated to Bangalore?