IPL 2024 final: Despair for some, delight for others

Millions of fervent Kolkata Knight Riders' aficionados revelled in jubilance as Kolkata vanquished Hyderabad by eight wickets to clinch the coveted IPL trophy in a pulsating final held in Chennai on Sunday. The euphoria transcended geographical boundaries, igniting scenes of ecstasy from Kolkata's famous Shyambazar five-point crossing area in the North to the historic allure of the Maidan in the South, and beyond.

Miles away, in the heart of the Tamil Nadu capital, a throng of 38,000 spectators gathered at the iconic Chepauk stadium, their collective gaze fixed on colossal screens broadcasting the titanic clash between Sunrisers Hyderabad and KKR. Against the backdrop of a setting sun, the air resonated with the stirring strains of ‘Korbo, Lorbo, Jeetbo Re', punctuated by a sea of yellow and purple flags fluttering in harmonious unison.

"Gambhir bhai (Gautam) made it happen. This is all because of him. I think we were the best team this IPL. It was enthralling. You can see how we have outnumbered them (SRH fans) today. The madness has paid off. East or West, KKR is the best," Nitin Mondal told Mid-Day, on the sidelines of the lopsided IPL showdown.

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For Mondal, who attended an IPL match for the first time, ‘Khan darshan' at the B1 hospitality box was a cherry on the cake. The 34-year-old brand executive from Unilever did not shy away from turning into a choreographer showing the ‘Lungi Dance' footwork before others around him finally relented and followed suit.

"Bhai paisa vasool ho gaya! (brother, it was worth the money we paid)", "I saw him with my own eyes!" "He blew a kiss at me!" The shrieks of joy and jubilation filled the air almost every time Bollywood Badshah Shah Rukh Khan appeared on the display board.

Back in Kolkata, the reverberations of victory echoed through the streets as the resplendent boom of fireworks and firecrackers pierced the night sky amid the looming threat of severe cyclone ‘Remal', while jubilant motorists unleashed a symphony of honks, an exuberant symphony heralding KKR's triumphant ascension to their third IPL title.

Yet, amid the euphoric celebrations, a bittersweet sentiment pervaded the air for valiant fans of Hyderabad, who, in the face of defeat, grappled with a poignant blend of pride and disappointment.

Even fans who had not pledged allegiance to the Knights but found themselves at the Chepauk were overcome by the occasion and the scenes of celebration. "Of course, we are upset," conceded 17-year-old Manish Reddy, his voice tinged with melancholy. "Though we may not have witnessed the lifting of the trophy, what we have achieved this season is truly remarkable. Special credits to Patty (Pat Cummins)," he reflected.

His father, Sai Venkatesh, however, proudly displayed allegiance to KKR with the team logo painted on both cheeks. "KKR is the best team, you have to agree to that. They have been blowing us away this season, what a team! It's simply astounding, the feat they've accomplished," he remarked, who had flown to Chennai with his family.

Meanwhile, a sea of fervent supporters bedecked in KKR jerseys and draped in the vibrant hues of purple and yellow congregated in bustling squares and bustling thoroughfares near the Eden Gardens, their hearts aflutter with resounding cheers that echoed through the labyrinthine streets even past midnight. As one fan near the media box interestingly proclaimed in a resounding declaration, ‘we are the King's minions, we never lose', we can't help but faintly hum ‘Korbo, Lorbo, Jeetbo re!