Written by Shriya Rajachandra
17 runs required off the last over, gettable? Definitely. RCB were chasing a total of 181 runs against Delhi Capitals on the 10th of March. Like any typical T20 game, the run chase went through several twists and turns as the momentum swung like a pendulum. But here we were, eyes glued to the screen, no one moved.
The first 5 balls saw it all: two big hits, a wicket, quick runs and a dot ball.
‘2 required off 1 delivery’ – this situation warranted for more drama. As the batter drove to backward point, the fielder flung the ball to the nonstriker’s end; the stumps were broken off and all hell broke loose for Delhi.
RCB’s batter was only an inch short of the crease but in this game, every inch and every second matters – there is never any room for error. Delhi Capitals had won. RCB’s dugout stared in disbelief. It was heartbreak, a feeling that RCB is very familiar with.
While I, an RCB fan since 2008, tried processing these emotions, someone said, “You should be used to this.” Yes, it hurt and this time, it wasn’t Faf du Plessis’ men who fell short – it was Smriti Mandhana and her crew.
“Somethings never change”, I said to myself. But as I scrolled through X (formerly known as Twitter), this bitter feeling turned into warmth. The world of cricket was talking about this game; and in typical RCB fashion, fans found hope and pride in pain. This took me back to the first leg of the Women’s Premier League.
Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy stadium played host for the first 11 games. In the second game of the season, RCB faced UP Warriors and during the toss, deafening chants of Rrrr Ceee Beee echoed through the stands of Chinnaswamy. Captain Smriti Mandhana was speechless.
This overwhelming support continued as tickets and jerseys were selling out in numbers. Boy oh boy, Chinnaswamy’s IPL spirit had woken up. Once again, with this team, “somethings never change”.
The Women’s Premier League has created enough noise. Each team has fought and displayed great quality of cricket. The league has cemented its place in our hearts and homes – but we are just getting started; there is still a mountain to climb.
As of now, RCB has secured a place in the tournament’s eliminator game. They are set to face the mighty Mumbai Indians. While I patiently wait for the game tonight, I find myself praying,
dodging trolls and hoping I don’t cry myself to sleep. This has been a routine for 17 years and with the Men’s IPL only days away, this routine is bound to stay.
One of my favourite people once said, “Shriya, no one can destroy you more. But you will find yourself staying loyal to this team for the rest of your life.”
So whatever happens in the eliminator, one thing is certain, be it the men’s or women’s side – Bengaluru and Shriya’s love for RCB will remain undeterred because remember, some things never change and there’s no place like sports.
Shriya Rajachandra
A sports fanatic, Shriya writes engrossing sports stories and her thoughts on the happenings of the sporting world.