CSK win support, Punjab Kings match

Punjab Kings’ den was painted yellow by a sea of Chennai Super Kings fans cheering for their side, which played its first IPL match at Mullanpur this evening. However, Punjab won the match by 18 runs.

The entry of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, heartthrob to millions of cricketing fans, onto the field drew the loudest of the cheers. The former Indian captain was easy to spot as cameras panned over him conversing with his team members frequently.

The fanfare for Dhoni and the first-time visitors clearly outshone the home support for Punjab Kings. “I came to see Dhoni in action. It was a dream to see him in the yellow jersey, as it could be his last IPL. Though he isn’t performing well with the bat, we cannot just ignore his achievements,” said Kripal Kaur, a fan.

“I travelled from Delhi to watch him in action at this new facility. Half of my train’s coach was wearing the yellow jerseys…and the number of Chennai fans here was enough to support that moment. It’s crazy to have such a fan base and just due to one person — Dhoni,” said Amritpal Bagga, another spectator.

“We support Punjab, but for this particular match… my family was cheering for Chennai all because of Dhoni and Ravichandran Ashwin. These two have given a lot to the country,” said Sumedh, another fan donning the yellow shirt.

Meanwhile, expecting a huge rush, the police made elaborate arrangements at the facility. Many VVIPs also reached the venue to watch the match. “Due to heavy rush of vehicles, we have restricted the number of four wheelers around the stadium. Everything went well, as spectators fully supported us,” said a police personal.

Priyansh in history books

Even as all eyes were on Dhoni, Punjab Kings opener Priyansh Arya managed to steal the show in the first innings by smashing the fastest IPL century by an uncapped player. He took 39 balls to reach the ton. He is the seventh Indian uncapped player to score a century in at the tournament.

Arya shot to fame during the Delhi Premier League after hitting six sixes in an over. He was in the same mood this evening, as his century, which featured nine sixed, was also the second-fastest by any Indian in IPL and the quickest against CSK.

“He really lifted up the mood and played well. I never expected him to have such a massive innings, especially when the top order struggled a lot,” said Akash, another spectator.

Priyansh in history books

Even as all eyes were on Dhoni, Punjab Kings opener Priyansh Arya managed to steal the show in the first innings by smashing the fastest IPL century by an uncapped player. He took 39 balls to reach the ton. He is the seventh Indian uncapped player to score a century in at the tournament.

Arya shot to fame during the Delhi Premier League after hitting six sixes in an over. He was in the same mood this evening, as his century, which featured nine sixed, was also the second-fastest by any Indian in IPL and the quickest against CSK.

“He really lifted up the mood and played well. I never expected him to have such a massive innings, especially when the top order struggled a lot,” said Akash, another spectator.

Tribune Impact: No more special drop-off for judges

Days after The Tribune highlighted special privileges being accorded to the judicial officers at the C2 entrance (Corporate Box 10) of the stadium, the sign mentioning “Judges Drop Off” — which was fairly visible from the road leading to the stadium — has been removed. The sign put up right outside the C2 gate was also removed by the authorities.

The same columns carried a report mentioning special privileges for the judicial officers, which stood in stark contrast with the huge rush of spectators jostling for space at the other gates.

Chandigarh