For most of the spectators, it was a sporting picnic and less of an aggressive match when the Royal Challengers met Chennai Super Kings in Bangalore on Monday. Pan the stands where a different ball game was going on.

Loyalties were seen shifting. ‘Armchair critics’ described each ball, each shot. Hence, the commentary was not missed. ‘Experts’ provided replay and live demonstrations in case you missed the action.

Jigs outshone the jumps. Dancing queens matched the steps to the music and gave the cheer leaders a run for their money. Mexican waves lashed at regular intervals. Desperate calls for sixes, mock betting, sighs of relief and walk-outs. And a lot of litter was left behind.

Caught in action

* Echoes of more than three cheers for the cheer leaders. 
* Shivamani’s effortless percussive cover drives.
* Whistling matches in sixes and fours.
*  Placard used for multiple roles - as conches, popcorn-caps, hand-fans, bats, loudspeakers, shields and finally ending up as litter.  
* Balancing acts on chairs by wannabe ‘Rajanikants’.
  
Eavesdropping...

* As Ramya was doing the rounds, one die-heard fan was caught saying Bhai, paisa vasool.
* One placard said, “Mom, don’t worry, I’ll get Dhoni home.” 
* And another one, for the cheer leaders, “We paid 1,000 bucks, entertain us’.
* A know-all spectator, “why does Zaheer need three slips?”
* A  disappointed Royal Challenger fan to his Chennai-supporting colleague, “it’s all match-fixing, yaar!” 
* As Dhoni settles down, out went cries ‘Dhoni ko dho dalo’!
* A die-hard optimist consoling herself as Royal Challengers were losing: “Match is not over till the last ball is bowled.”