Cricket frenzy back in Bengaluru as fans soak in IPL spirit

Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad at M Chinnaswamy Stadium last Tuesday evoked lukewarm response from the cricket fans. But the KSCA stadium was brought back to life by the city’s cricket fans during home team’s second match of the season against Delhi Daredevils on Sunday.

Thousands of fans in RCB colours thronged the venue two to three hours ahead of the scheduled start. Street vendors, selling team jerseys, flags and colourful wigs were seen doing brisk business. There was high demand for RCB T-shirts outside the stadium than for the blue t-shirts. Even many cricket enthusiasts sported watercolor painting on their faces and flags in support of RCB. While the t-shirts were sold at Rs 200 each, watercolour painting was done for Rs 30 to Rs 50.

There were reports of traffic jams on the roads leading to the stadium in the evening. But the jams were cleared after a while. Dhanush C, a 12-year-old RCB fan from Kumaraswamy layout who accompanied his father Chandrashekar and brother to the stadium, sported face painting in support of RCB. 

“I love watching AB de Villiers, Virat Kohli explode in the middle and I am here to watch their explosive batting,” a little Dhanush said.

AB and Kohli didn’t disappoint the little Dhanush with their fireworks. Surabhi Vadavi from Banashankari was among the 20 friends who came to watch cricket. Apart from India-Pakistan matches, I love to watch IPL and RCB is my favourite team. We are hoping to see good cricket,” she said. 

 Alex Anuraj and Rinschin Manzoor, both MBBS students from Mangaluru, were here to support Delhi Daredevils. 

“We will support Delhi because they have many new players. Sanju Samson is our favourite player,” Anuraj said, while his friend Manzoor said IPL cricket was like a festival and it’s entertaining.