Super show in sticky Chennai
This schoolgirl enjoyed watching her home team trump Kolkata. But why didn't the camera pan to her stand? Boo
Akshaya Rao
14-Apr-2010
Dhoni: he's got the Tamil festivals marked on his calendar • Indian Premier League
The game
I had to scramble to get tickets for this match, since most were selling out fast. This was a must-win for both teams and I was supporting Chennai.
I had to scramble to get tickets for this match, since most were selling out fast. This was a must-win for both teams and I was supporting Chennai.
Key performer
R Ashwin. He took three wickets and nearly got a hat-trick.
R Ashwin. He took three wickets and nearly got a hat-trick.
One thing I'd have changed
I would have liked the camera to cover our stand.
I would have liked the camera to cover our stand.
Face-off I relished
Chris Gayle v Doug Bollinger. Gayle has been explosive in recent matches, and Bollinger is Chennai's star bowler. But since Gayle got out early there wasn't much to it.
Chris Gayle v Doug Bollinger. Gayle has been explosive in recent matches, and Bollinger is Chennai's star bowler. But since Gayle got out early there wasn't much to it.
Wow moment
The crowd did four rounds of Mexican waves at one point, which was exciting.
The crowd did four rounds of Mexican waves at one point, which was exciting.
Player watch
M Vijay waved and gave us a thumbs up, while Makhaya Ntini, who wasn't in the XI, walked over to the boundary and blew a kiss at us.
M Vijay waved and gave us a thumbs up, while Makhaya Ntini, who wasn't in the XI, walked over to the boundary and blew a kiss at us.
Crowd meter
The stadium was packed. Most people had come two hours early and there was overwhelming support for the home team. One six fell into the stand to our right. Sourav Ganguly and Vijay got the loudest cheers, but the crowd chanted "C-S-K" and "Bol-ling-ger" the most. MS Dhoni was also cheered, especially when he wished the crowd a happy Tamil New Year at the end of the game.
The stadium was packed. Most people had come two hours early and there was overwhelming support for the home team. One six fell into the stand to our right. Sourav Ganguly and Vijay got the loudest cheers, but the crowd chanted "C-S-K" and "Bol-ling-ger" the most. MS Dhoni was also cheered, especially when he wished the crowd a happy Tamil New Year at the end of the game.
Accessories
Zoo zoo hats.
Zoo zoo hats.
Hardship factor
Though it was a night match, there wasn't any breeze coming our way. The humidity made us feel tired. It was also very difficult to get water in the stadium.
Though it was a night match, there wasn't any breeze coming our way. The humidity made us feel tired. It was also very difficult to get water in the stadium.
Entertainment
It was fun to see the blonde cheerleaders dance to local folk songs.
It was fun to see the blonde cheerleaders dance to local folk songs.
Banner of the day
"Gimme a birthday gift CSK".
"Gimme a birthday gift CSK".
Twenty20s or ODIs?
I prefer Twenty20 because it's possible to watch a whole game with the family. It's a mix of sports and entertainment - at least in the case of the IPL - which makes it fun to watch.
I prefer Twenty20 because it's possible to watch a whole game with the family. It's a mix of sports and entertainment - at least in the case of the IPL - which makes it fun to watch.
Star-spotting
Sivamani, the drummer, was making his usual rounds. Local singers Chinmayi and Tipu were also there.
Sivamani, the drummer, was making his usual rounds. Local singers Chinmayi and Tipu were also there.
TV or stadium?
The thrill of watching from the stadium cannot be replicated in front of a TV. Watching my favourite players right in front of me was amazing.
The thrill of watching from the stadium cannot be replicated in front of a TV. Watching my favourite players right in front of me was amazing.
Marks out of 10
10, because I'm a Chennai supporter. I would have liked it better if it had been more competitive instead of being an all-Chennai show. Not that I am complaining; I am ecstatic. It wasn't the best game of cricket, but the atmosphere was superb.
10, because I'm a Chennai supporter. I would have liked it better if it had been more competitive instead of being an all-Chennai show. Not that I am complaining; I am ecstatic. It wasn't the best game of cricket, but the atmosphere was superb.
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