Cricket is funny

My first match ever, and it was IPL. Our hard work paid off! RCB won and no one is happier than my sister.

Apr 28, 2025

Now, I know India is crazy over cricket! But I got the first hand experience lately when my sister (an ardent Bangalore team, RCB’S fan) decided we were going for the match in Delhi. And here are a few things I observed as an outsider to this organized mess.

1. Teamwork, shouting and a lot of ahem tactics go a long way

As someone who has no interest in the game, and has never watched one my whole life, I did not get why we were running a joint operation at 3 houses with 11 phones, 5 laptops and 20 people to get the tickets for the Delhi Vs Bangalore IPL match.

Seriously, I have never seen my sister so active as she was to get tickets with a queue of thousands of people ahead. The hierarchy was established with the 4000th in line sister being served water and snacks on bed while the brother with 25000 ahead had his call cut to keep the line clear.

Did it work? Absolutely not! We got some but we had a group of eight (I was the last on priority list). So, began the game of beg, borrow and steal… I mean convince and buy from friends and family who got the tickets.

One day before the match, we finally had enough for all (even me).

After a toss, some emotional conversations, and a little bribe, it was decided who would sit in the other stand, because of course we couldn’t get all the tickets together.

So, off we went as a mixed group of friends, their brothers, my cousin, and his friend’s brother.

2. I had some questions

Getting ready to ask all the silly questions

When we had second floor seating, why did we only reach after climbing eight flights of stairs? I saw heaven up close!

Why was me *innocently* tightening my head scarf associated with a wicket falling? (it was promptly snatched away by my sister after two RCB players went back to the pavilion as my brother defended its place for good luck) and many more.

But, seriously, the cousins came prepared. And don’t you worry! I will answer them here for you.

1. Has the batsman ever high fived the Umpire for sixer? Or the bowler dragged his hand down when he motioned for wide ball?

Is it just me seeing the potential of having fun here?

I believe Virat Kohli can do it after watching him on the ground. But Alas! Nobody has had that idea. Here is my contribution to cricket. Any cricketer, Please, Do it! I believe you will get a penalty but we fans and meme lovers will thank you for it!

2. What if the bat leaves his hand when he is swinging it around before getting to the pitch?

It would probably go off like a Javelin and we could get a view of another sport too. Though, fielders would not agree.

3. Why don’t they all stand super close to the pitch to not let the ball out?

They do for the first six overs. It’s called power play.

4. Why were Delhi people not supporting their own team?

How his fans walked out after he scored 50 and his team won

Seriously! Almost everyone around us was cheering for RCB, and the reason was told by my sister. Virat Kohli! That man has managed to turn the whole stadium with him. Though, the former Captain is from Delhi too, the cousin who lost grumbled when we were coming back. Apparently,

3. Cricket unites…and divides

How I cheered for every boundary and wicket!

We six sat together. Two in the camp of Delhi, two in Bangalore and two neutral (we promptly took the winning side in last over).

But, I have never seen such a thing. We had a kid in the row ahead who was fighting with my group on one side for supporting Delhi and dancing with my sister on every win of RCB. The kid also talked with me about the run rate he was expecting to win, and I nodded because, of course, it made sense. (So what if I did not know what run rate meant, and had to lean back in my seat to ask my sister.)

My friend turned away from her brother for not supporting her team while my cousins (sitting on either side of me) fought like children and lured me to their side. There was dancing, hoisting of flags and teasing with every turn of the game.

The staff selling their wares were asked for their teams, and tips added. Ice creams were called for to soothe the burn of opponents, and some happy tears shed while hugging and dancing.

Even the police men who made the experience so much better by controlling the rowdy fans and making sure everyone had a great time couldn’t help but rejoice when their teams scored.

Overall, I have not seen a live event like this after attending concerts, plays, and Stand up comedy shows.

Will I go again? Of course. If we can get the tickets, that is.

Tell me which team do you support?