The IPL is back with a bang

The stage is set for some explosive action. What are cricket buffs saying? Read on

When the sheen of Bollywood and glamour of cheer leaders combine, it’s clear the Indian Premier League 6 is round the corner. In reality it has kicked off. Few things can match the adrenaline rush that grips you during the IPL season. The opening night in Kolkata has set the mood.

Now, cricket buffs in national capital are waiting eagerly for the action to shift here. Delhiites across the City can hardly wait to experience the thrills of T20 cricket. Some have made elaborate plans. The mood is palpable.

With the match between Delhi Daredevils and Rajasthan Royals at the Feroz Shah Kotla slated for April 6, Delhiites are gung ho, restless and ready. Some Delhiites have decided to go outdoors and watch the IPL matches on the big screen while savouring food and drinks. Ankit Agarwal, a 30-yr-old entrepreneur, is one of them. For the semi-final and final matches, he will invite his friends to an eatery. “Matches are fun to watch on big screen when you are with friends. Underdoggs is my favourite place for an IPL match. I also like going to the restaurants in Garden of Five Senses and Stone in Defence Colony, because it’s fun to shout and cheer with friends when a batsman hits a four or six!” he says.

Ankit is certain of watching at least two matches in Feroz Shah Kotla. “The Delhi
Daredevils’ matches are a must –  my favourite team naturally. In a day or two I’ll buy a jersey because I really like the look of the jersey this year,” he adds.

But some people are ruing the fact that they will miss the excitement this time.
Asad Yusuf, a 23-yr-old student of civil engineering, a “die-hard cricket fan” says, “I love to watch and play cricket...if it’s IPL then I’m thrilled because of the mix of players in one team. My favourite team is Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) because I’m a big fan of SRK. I prefer watching matches at home. Last year, when KKR won, I partied with my friends the same night!” This time he hasn’t given it much thought because most of his friends have moved out of Delhi. “I guess I’ll have to watch the matches alone,” he says sadly.

There are many who are looking forward to enjoying the game. They hope the IPL season will bring them endless evenings of enjoyment this time round. Richa Choudhary, a 25-yr-old professional, says, “Last year I did get a chance to catch a match at Feroz Shah Kotla with my friends. I hope I’m lucky to get a ticket this year too. The chances are low as most of the tickets are sold out quickly,” she says. But wait, Richa doesn’t like cricket! “I watch matches only when Dhoni plays because I love him!” she adds. No prizes for guessing! Chennai Super Kings is her favourite team, and she definitely wants to catch Dhoni in action!