It was a riot of colours when Bollywood and Sandalwood celebrities - Deepika Padukone, Katrina Kaif, Ramya and other celluloid stars rhythmically waved the flags of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) from the balconies of the Chinnaswamy Stadium amidst the light and sounds of an excited gathering. Their fans and supporters in the galleries followed suit reverberating the beginning of a new IPL season.
Washington Redskins paraded their wares professionally to the lilting music to drive people crazy. White Mischief Gals then took over and swayed to the music but they was no patch on the Redskins’ performances.
All the same, it was RCB who ushered in the concept of cheer-leaders in Indian cricket for the first time. Of course, the Zebra Girls brought in by one private TV channel when it telecast matches of the National Football League were the first in Indian sports. Nevertheless, that did not stay long. But cheer leaders in IPL cricket appear to be as much a part of the event as the bat and the ball.
Various states saw protests from groups against the ‘skin’ show. To circumvent that, many franchisees opted for the ‘desi’ version of hip-swinging. Modern or traditional, the fans did swing to their tunes and are ready for more in the summer of 2013.
RCB have had a huge following and with some big names in their ranks, it will be no different. Thanks to the problems of Kingfisher Airlines, RCB owner Vijay Mallya might face his employees’ ire. They have threatened to disrupt RCB’s games unless their salary dues are cleared. Mallya has promised to do so.
Action off the pitch is bound to be just as heated as on it, what with West Indian Chris Gayle geared up to do his ‘gone with the wind’ act all over again.
Gayle clobbered 44 sixes in 2011 and 59 in 2012. How many are likely to rain down from his bat in 2013? Probably, 60 as this is IPL 6.
RCB has the young Virat Kohli as the full-time captain but South African Ray Jennings remains the Chief coach as he has been since 2009. Jennings backed skipper Virat Kohli to deliver in his role and repeated a statement he made three years ago, touting the Delhi youngster as the future captain of India.
“I said it three years ago. Kohli will captain India,” Jennings said. “He has the ability, he’s fiery and that is a good thing for the side. He has to get his captaincy right because Dhoni is not going to be around for a long time and he has to be ready,” he said.
“He is a young guy and I am going to be there to help him as I see huge potential. It’s a lovely challenge and we hope Kohli can live up to it,” he said.
RCB is fairly a balanced side. Runners-up in 2009 and 2011, RCB hope to triumph this time around. They have the capability. More importantly, they have the support of the roaring fans from the stands. RCB, RCB, RCB...come on!