It was the last IPL match of the season in Bangalore. The contest, though, was not only between the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) but thousands of Bangaloreans and the rain gods.
The spirit of Bangaloreans, however, never dies down and Saturday night vouched for that. Though the rain threatened to drown the match, the prayers didn’t go in vain.
Nikhil, a student, was seen looking at the birds. “The birds in the sky are a sign that the rain has stopped and the match will start,” said Nikhil. “I waited for this one match for almost a month. So there is no way I am leaving till they play at least one over,” he added.
And rightly, when the screens flashed that the match would start at 11 pm, the crowd was ecstatic.
Lorraine, a student, said, “It doesn’t matter how many overs they play as long as they play. I came to watch RCB win and this being an important game for them, they have my support till the end.”
Needless to say, the Bangalore boys turned victorious. Although the match started late and was set for eight overs, RCB got off to a brilliant start with Virat performing exceptionally well.
CSK struggled to catch up with the scores despite Dhoni’s last minute efforts to save the day. The wait was worth it. Hopes soared as RCB emerged victorious, well past midnight. The stadium was filled to capacity. Grabbing whatever they could to prevent themselves from getting wet, the young and old were seen cheering and waving the flags high up in the air.
The stadium turned into a party scene of sorts with people dancing to the music and snacking on hot pakodas and whatever else was available in the stalls.
Those who bought tickets to the lounges were not disappointed for they made sure they relished the rather elaborate menu before the match began.
The spot-fixing charges haven’t dampened the enthusiasm of IPL fans. They say a few rotten ones will not take away the spirit of the T20 game. Harsh Tekriwai, an engineering student, said, “I booked the tickets a month in advance. I am a Dhoni fan and although the RCB has had many ups and downs, they still managed to put up a decent show.”
Arvind, a class 12 student of Delhi Public School, felt that the scams will not affect the IPL.
“There may be a few players who tainted the spirit of the game but that does not mean that it is the end of the IPL. I am looking forward to the next season of the IPL,”
he said.
Raghavendra, a student, added, “There are so many good sportsmen who will keep the game clean. I hope they don’t ban the IPL as it has brought out the fun element of the game.”
Ryan, a student, observed that the team still has a long way to go. “This season, the RCB has not disappointed the home crowd. But no matter what happens, I hope that next year they concentrate on their bowling and fielding and retain AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle,” said Ryan.