A sports shop employee shows an IPL jersey in Patna on Wednesday. Picture by Nagendra Kumar Singh

Dressed to kill, cricket crazy Patna residents joined the hullabaloo surrounding the fifth edition of Indian Premier League (IPL).

Sources said as the defending champions Chennai Super Kings took on the might of Mumbai Indians in their own backyard in the inaugural match of IPL V, the sale of T-shirts, trousers and caps of different franchisees soared in the state capital. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Mumbai Indians (MI) attires were the most popular among cricket lovers.

A resident said: “More than the success of the particular team, famous personalities associated with the franchisee, like Shah Rukh Khan (KKR) and Sachin Tendulkar (MI), make the teams popular among the fans.”

Cricket lovers corroborated the claim.

Boring Canal Road resident Prakash Gupta told The Telegraph: “Sachin completed his 100th ton this year. So, as a mark of respect to him, I want to wear the jersey of the team he represents — Mumbai Indians. He is my favourite cricketer.”

Another cricket lover, Rakesh Verma, said: “People have different ways to celebrate. Some are happy watching the matches on TV. I like to be more adventurous. So, I shall wear the jersey of the team I support,” said Rakesh Verma. He added that he would scream for KKR.

As expected, youngsters are leading the way.

AN College student Anurag Singh said: “Shah Rukh Khan is my favourite star. Though the KKR has not won the tournament so far, I like the team, especially the colour of the jersey. It is very attractive.”

He added: “Every year, I buy a KKR jersey. It makes me feel as if I am also a member of the team.”

Owners of outlets selling the jerseys are not complaining.

Chetan Kapoor, the owner of Olympico Agencies — the oldest sports shop in Patna, told The Telegraph: “During the IPL every year, such T-shirts are always in demand. We ensure that these are available for the fans who love to buy accessories of their favourite teams.”

He added: “Earlier, we used to offer limited stock but now we offer more as the demand has soared.”