IPL, for me, has always been about going to Eden Gardens to cheer Kolkata Knight Riders. Irrespective of a win or a loss, I have unflinchingly believed that Team KKR would do us proud. Always!
There is another reason too. That reason comes clad in a white T-shirt with the KKR logo on it. That reason is also the 12th man of the team. That reason is the man we know as Shah Rukh Khan! Even after attending IPL matches as part of work for two years, I am still like a star-struck 10-year-old when I see him waving from his B1 box.
The match against Mumbai Indians on May 9 was only Shah Rukh’s second game of the season at Eden Gardens. And, one of my last. At least for two years. Yes, I’ll have to bid the city goodbye to pursue further education. So the moment I saw his Instagram announcement that he was coming for the game, I went ballistic!
The match, however, didn’t go KKR’s way. SRK barely got up from his seat, and left even before the match was over. Probably a first for him.
One of my last games at Eden Gardens, a KKR loss by 102 runs and an unhappy SRK... my heart sank.
I, however, know that KKR may not have been taiyaar on that day, but we will come back stronger. And till that day Eden, and I, will await your presence amongst us, King Khan.
After all, no matter which stadium I visit (I have visited quite a few), there is nothing like the charm of Eden Gardens and a dimpled SRK in the stands!
Sulogna Ghosh
#KKRRAZYKiyaRe
A gang of 43 in L1 Block came wearing black T-shirts with #CrazyCousins written on the back and their individual names on the backs and sleeves. “We had this idea 20 days before the match and hunted every showroom in search of T-shirts in the same colour. Then our bhabi Varsha Kejriwal got the printing done,” said Neha Bagaria of Ballygunge. The support base was mixed as some members of the group who had flown in from Aurangabad and Surat were supporting Mumbai Indians. “Wish the match was more exciting and the humidity less,” said Neha, voice hoarse from cheering KKR.
Text: Pramita Ghosh
Pictures: Pabitra Das
SNAPCHAT WITH KKR LEG-SPINNER PIYUSH CHAWLA
My cricketing idol: Being a leg-spinner, I have always followed Shane Warne. In the very first year of IPL, I had a long chat with him. The way he backed me and motivated me… he was just telling me to go and express myself and that’s what I tell everyone now. There is no point taking that extra pressure, but a little bit of pressure is always nice.
Shah Rukh Khan is: Always there to encourage all the boys and he never talks about cricket. He just comes, meets everyone, talks very nicely and the way he treats everyone, that is more than enough to motivate us.
My favourite Shah Rukh Khan film: Mohabbatein, Veer-Zaara.
I cannot resist: Something chocolate-based.
Bengali faves: Mishti doi and sandesh.
Fave Calcutta party spots: I have been to a place called Bakstage, there is another place called M Bar (Kitchen)… really good places to visit.
KKR mates I am in touch with through the year: Robin (Uthappa) and I have played so much of cricket together, so I am always in touch with him. Kuldeep (Yadav) has grown up in front of me.
Fave travel destination: Interlaken in Switzerland, I just loved it!
Sulogna Ghosh
A BRITISH BOY WAS BOWLED OVER BY THE ‘IPL AT EDEN GARDENS’ EXPERIENCE
I’ve been lucky to see some April home games at the Eden Gardens, with two wins and two losses from KKR. This is a fair reflection on a so far fluctuating season for KKR at the IPL.
I have seen moments of brilliance from our team, but also from opponents who have really impressed, particularly Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), who I think will have a large say in who wins India’s most coveted sporting event. When Jacques Kallis’ team have been flying the purple-and-gold banner across the country, I’ve been just as supportive in living rooms, bars, and restaurants, soaking in the cricket culture that is so alive here.
There are several iconic experiences I will always remember — Chris Gayle single-handedly powering Kings XI Punjab to victory, Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers showing the world why they are the best around when at the crease together, SRH’s Manish Pandey’s brilliant athletic catch on the boundary near my seat, Sunil Narine’s 1-30 and 50 off 19 balls against RCB (Royal Challengers Bangalore), Muscle Russell’s explosive 41 from 12 balls against DD (Delhi Daredevils). All these moments will spring to mind when I tell my friends and family at home about my Eden Gardens experiences. Actually, just seeing Chris Gayle hit one six would have been enough to make my journey here worth it, luckily he hit six sixes.
Of course, games at Eden Gardens are not made without the fans, who have been crazy from the start. I’m truly blessed to have witnessed a stellar snake dance performance a few seats away from me, and all the selfies and conversations I’ve had with both KKR and opposition fans. Win or lose, the fans always get behind the team, and there is great relationship between people of different allegiances.
In England this is not always the case; fans can be fickle and boo performances not up to their excessive standards, and fans are separated and verbally bullish to their opposition. Here, the fact that stands are mixed adds a playful edge to rivalries and shows how sport can bring people together.
Watching the greatest domestic cricket tournament live has added so much greater devotion and love for this beautiful game. Although still a true Test lover at heart, Twenty20 carnival games are a great, intense spectacle. One thing is for sure, is that it will take a while, if ever, to match a live sporting event with an IPL game at Eden.
I’ll continue to watch the IPL at home, and I’m itching with excitement for India’s team to tour England this summer, where I’ve already confirmed I’ll see a Test at Edgbaston with friends.
I stopped playing cricket competitively around seven years ago, but being here has made me really reconsider whether to start again. Either way, I’ll be playing in the nets at my local club with friends and spreading the global love in my KKR jersey. Thanks for the amazing memories, KKR!
Joe Raggett
(A University of Southampton graduate who has interned with t2)
