I’ve always loved Indian Premium League (IPL). Being a die-hard fan of Chennai Super Kings, I wanted to witness Thala Dhoni’s six at least once in my lifetime.
My dad chose the perfect gift for me for scoring well in my 12th-grade board examination. He gave me a ticket to the Chennai Super Kings vs Delhi Capitals match at Chepauk.
The excitement of getting ready in our yellow CSK jersey, beating the traffic, and entering the grand stadium was exhilarating. Luckily, my dad and I had the member’s ticket, and our entry was hassle-free. We were right on time.
The atmosphere inside the stadium was electric, with the DJs playing vibrant songs, my dad’s loud whistle, and the cheer from the crowd, with a Frankie in my hand. What more could I have wished for?
CSK won the toss and chose to bat. Openers Gaikwad and Conway kick-started the match. It went great.
It was heartwarming to see that the crowd continued to support and encourage the CSK players, even in challenging moments. That unity and spirit among fans like us made the experience unforgettable.
The Captain of the Delhi Capitals, David Warner, has a vast south fanbase, and it was great to see him as well.
We were nearing the death overs, and it was Ambati Rayudu and Ravindra Jadeja on the field. Rayudu got out, and we knew precisely our next batsman in the lineup.
The moment I had been waiting for arrived—the entry of Thala Dhoni. The cheer and excitement were overwhelming as he stepped onto the field with the Dj playing ” En Peru Padayappa, ” a classic Tamil song in the background.
Witnessing him hit those two sixes, and a four was an absolute dream come true for me. Moments like these make cricket fans like me feel a deep connection with the sport and their favourite players.
The second innings went equally thrilling, especially with the impressive performance of the CSK bowling lineup, particularly Pathirana taking three wickets that changed the entire pace of the match.
It was a comfortable win for CSK. We celebrated the victory with fellow CSK fans, and feeling that sense of unity and family among strangers is truly special for me. Both the teams were sportive and were fantastic on the field.
My dad and I watched all the award distribution and waited mainly for Thala Dhoni’s speech. But yes, I couldn’t hear even a word. The crowd’s thunderous cheer was much louder than Chepauk’s sound system. But it was all worth it. I couldn’t take my eyes off Mahindra Singh Dhoni and never wanted to leave the stadium.
Yet returning home with a whole heart and cherishing the memories of the match, I owe it all to my dad, my cricket partner, who gifted me this once-in-a-lifetime experience. The bond I share with my dad through cricket will be cherished forever.