Fingers are crossed, prayers are on, Champions League T20 begins. Cricket fans are occupied for three hours every day for three weeks hooting for their favourite Indian state through this tournament. This is the only time that the sub-continent is divided, not only in physical structure but also in spirit.
Many youngsters find it exciting to watch players battle it out against their own teammates. Student, Yash Poddar says “It is a very challenging game for the players as the opponents are aware of their game-plan.” On excelling in the IPL, the players qualify to the higher level to perform at the Champions League. Like in a test match, there is no stress about the team performing the next day in the T20 format, as the match finishes on the same day. “I can give both the innings full concentration. It is like watching a short film,” says student, Debam Banerjee. Youngsters residing in cities that they do not support are at bear arms with local residents.
Raksha Mallya, a programming executive got deadly looks from Mumbaikars when she was hooting for Royal Challengers Bangalore last year. Despite that she continues to proudly root for the boys in red for the league this season. “I have to support the greatest player and cutest boy Virat Kohli on the RCB team,” says Raksha. Yash also considers Virat to be an upcoming player who is playing remarkably well for RCB.
Debam has to pray to for his life through the tournament because he is a Knight Riders fan in Bengaluru. “The current Kolkata Knight Riders team is very well balanced. After his performance in the world cup finals, Gautam Gambhir is the shining star in KKR,” says Debam.
Another popular favourite is all rounder Suresh Raina in Chennai Super Kings. Players that many youngsters want to see play for RCB again is Dale Steyn and Lasith Malinga. “Zaheer Khan, the only bowler in RCB is not on the team this season as he is injured. The team definitely needs a stronger bowling squad,” says Yash. All the girls in the country want to see their eye candy Kevin Peterson on the crease again.