Ahead of every IPL game featuring the Chennai Super Kings at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, Victoria Hostel Road, connecting the stadium to the Chepauk train station, is cloaked in a sea of yellow. The street sees a fascinating blend of people – the well-dressed elite heading to the Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi Stand, and the middle-class masses queuing up from as early as 4:30 pm, eager to enter before the crowds build up.
For the game against Kolkata Knight Riders, there was an added buzz despite CSK’s poor start to the 2025 season. M.S. Dhoni, the team’s most successful captain and Chennai’s adopted son, had returned to lead the side.
A few hours before the match, the Diary visited Hostel Road to capture the mood ahead of Dhoni’s return as skipper. From middle-aged fans venting frustrations to groups of kids showing off their cricket knowledge, the mix was lively and amusing.
“The whole season will turn around with Dhoni back as captain,” one yellow-clad fan shouted as he noticed the Diary with a microphone.
Some fans, however, were less eager to participate. A young woman, ducking under the camera frame, said, “Ayyo anna! Inga vanthathu veetla theriyadhu (Oh brother! My family doesn’t know I’m here).”
181 balls later, the mood had changed. Fans were fuming, ranting to local news channels, and some had even started leaving before KKR began its chase of a meagre 104. Dhoni’s return to captaincy hadn’t worked out, but with Thala, hope for a turnaround never dies.
Anish Pathiyil
Starting strong
Punjab Kings has been part of the IPL since its inception but has yet to win a title. For most seasons, the team has hovered around mid-table, reaching the final only once, in 2014, where it lost to KKR. This year, however, it has started strong with five wins out of eight, playing entertaining cricket under new captain Shreyas Iyer.
The Diary notes that, like RCB fans, Punjab Kings supporters stay loyal as long as the team keeps things exciting — title or not.
This year, as the Diary walked up to the newly built Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium in New Chandigarh, the air was filled with anticipation among home supporters in Punjab jerseys.
Punjab fans filled the stadium with energy as their team eked out a nervous win against Kolkata Knight Riders.
| Photo Credit:
REUTERS
Punjab fans filled the stadium with energy as their team eked out a nervous win against Kolkata Knight Riders.
| Photo Credit:
REUTERS
Even with KKR’s star-studded lineup featuring Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane, and local boy Ramandeep Singh, the crowd stayed focused on the young Punjab side, cheering for every boundary and falling silent after each wicket.
The atmosphere shifted when PBKS was bundled out for 111. But Yuzvendra Chahal’s spell of 4 for 28 reignited the crowd’s passion. The stadium roared as Punjab’s bowlers fought back. And when Marco Jansen took the final wicket, the fans erupted in ecstasy.
Sahil Mathur
A farce
Inadequate facilities at Jaipur’s cricket stadium left Dronacharya awardees watching from afar— or not at all.
| Photo Credit:
SHASHI SHEKHAR KASHYAP
Inadequate facilities at Jaipur’s cricket stadium left Dronacharya awardees watching from afar— or not at all.
| Photo Credit:
SHASHI SHEKHAR KASHYAP
At the Sawai Mansingh Stadium before Rajasthan Royals’ game against Lucknow Super Giants, empty chairs on the terraces of the RCA Academy and Khel Bhawan were noticeable. In response to rising demand for tickets, the Rajasthan State Sports Council had set up special seating for Dronacharya awardees and other sporting dignitaries.
What began as a gesture to honour local sports icons quickly turned into an embarrassment. The temporary seating lacked the most basic amenities — no refreshments, no drinking water, not even proper lighting. The terrace was left in complete darkness.
As temperatures soared, the stands remained empty. A few policemen hung around, hoping to catch a glimpse of the cricketers.
“It’s a temporary arrangement. If it’s successful, we’ll consider making it permanent. The idea was to increase the stadium’s seating capacity,” said Neeraj K. Pawan, president of the Sports Council, at the launch of the initiative. Despite the good intentions, the lack of basic facilities led to a disappointing turnout.
Shayan Acharya
