R-C-B….R-C-B…R-C-B; This is what I was welcomed to as I
entered through the Gate-13 of the M.Chinnaswamy Cricket Stadium in Bangalore to get my first-hand
experience at a live cricket match. My two favorite teams pitting against each
other – RCB and KKR. Here’s a secret, both these teams are my favorite because
(a) RCB is a home team (b) KKR is owned by the man who I have adored since I
was in my 5th grade in school. Well if you still don’t get it and by
any means thought it was Juhi Chawla and Jay Mehta, then think again! It is
only because of The One and The Only Shah Rukh Khan (will be referred as SRK
henceforth ;)). It’s been a dream since the IPL season kick started 11 years ago that if I ever
watched a live cricket match, it would be between RCB and KKR. It happened to
be true!
After crossing the multiple security check-points, I was
welcomed by two beautiful ladies who stopped me to ask who I would be rooting
for that night. I wanted to pick KKR, but I dint! I wanted to be true to my
home team and decided to support RCB with all my heart. My friend (oh, who by
the way, was super generous to lend me a ticket to the VIP Grand Terrace)
chuckled and re-confirmed if I was sure.
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| The VIP Grand Terrace Ticket |
It dint take me long to realize why cricket is celebrated so
religiously in India. The grand VIP terrace was exuding grandeur in its true
form. While I settled in, I saw the stadium fully packed and the people rooting
for RCB with great enthusiasm. I was star-struck right from the start. Being
privileged to get a Grand Terrace ticket is a dream. If not all the current players,
you get so see the ex-players walking in and out, the current players’ wives at
arms-length reluctantly exchanging smiles.
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| From the gallery of the VIP Grand Terrace |
I wasn’t expecting this level of lavish ambiance. The buffet
spread and the drinks at the bar were to die for. As the match picked up pace
with RCB batting first in the innings, the craze was out of the world. The vibe
in the stadium, the energy level not just amongst the players but the
spectators was unmatched. It felt like people had come down just to see the
partnership between Kohli and AbD. It was a treat to watch them play. They
definitely met every fans expectations.
RCB put a great score of 205 for KKR to chase. As the 2nd
innings began, the hopes of the people in Bangalore was sky high. The expectations
on RCB, most importantly on Virat to lead the team to the much needed victory
was obvious in the eyes of each spectator.
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| RCB and KKR during the strategic time-out |
If only we had emerged victorious that night, it would have
been an icing on the cake to my first time experience. One little secret, I
also was hoping that SRK would be there that night and I would get a selfie
with him. While that still remains an un-fulfilled dream, but hey, I did manage to get
a selfie with Mr.Sunil Gavaskar. For now I will make do with that and the
exhilarating experience I had with my first ever live cricket match. YAY!!
Until next
time it’s only R-C-B…R-C-B….R-C-B.
