A Cricketing Carnival at Eden Gardens: My Experience at KKR vs PBKS, A Rollercoaster of Emotions!

On May 8th, I had the privilege to witness a nail-biting encounter between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the iconic Eden Gardens stadium in Kolkata. As a KKR fanatic, I was amped up to witness my team play on their home turf against the PBKS.

 

IPL 2023, match 53

[For those who doesn't know about IPL,

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a professional Twenty20 cricket league played annually in India from March to May. It's one of the most popular and lucrative cricket leagues in the world, featuring top cricketers from across the globe. Each year, differentfranchises representing different Indian cities compete in the league, playing a total of more than 60 matches over the course of two months. The IPL is known for its fast-paced cricket, high-energy atmosphere, and global appeal.]

 

The atmosphere was electric and my heart was racing as the chants of "Korbo Lorbo Jeetbo Re" filled the air, stirring up a wave of excitement among the thousands of passionate cricket fans. The purple and gold hues of KKR were everywhere - on the flags, t-shirts, face paint and even on the food! (Who knew a slice of veg pizza could look so vibrant?)

 

As the match began, my adrenaline kicked in as PBKS took the field. The stands were alive with cheers, jeers, and the occasional prankster trying to rile up the opposition. Amidst all the ruckus, the stadium staff and police personnel (Kolkata Police) did a commendable job of maintaining order and making sure everyone had a good time.

 

 

KKR batting, 2nd innings

 

The match was a rollercoaster of emotions! PBKS got off to a flyer with some explosive batting, but KKR managed to pull it back with some disciplined bowling. The middle overs were a bit of a lull, but the roar of the crowd never died down. Every boundary, every wicket, and every run-out had us on the edge of our seats.

 

 

With friend, who's supporting PBKS

 

The highlight of the match was the explosive hitting from KKR's very own Andre Russell. The West Indian powerhouse was in his element, smashing sixes and fours to all corners of the ground. The crowd was going wild, and even my PBKS-supporting friend couldn't help but marvel at Russell's incredible performance.

 

Crazy crowd, cheering for Russell & Rinku

 

The match went down to the wire, and my heart was racing faster than Usain Bolt. In the last over, KKR needed just a few runs to win, and Rinku Singh sealed the deal with a boundary that sent the stadium into a frenzy! The cheers, the hugs, and the high-fives that followed were priceless, and I knew that I had just witnessed something special. KKR won.!

 

The winning moment you don't wanna miss!

As we walked back to our hostel, the memories of the match were still fresh in our minds. The food, the energy, the emotions, and the passion – it was all there! I would definitely recommend attending a cricket match at Eden Gardens to anyone who wants to experience the magic of Indian cricket. It's a memory that you'll cherish forever!

 

 

Quiet footpath in late night Kolkata

 

 

In conclusion, the Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings cricket match at Eden Gardens was an experience that left me exhilarated, thrilled, and overwhelmed with joy. It's a must-do activity for every cricket lover (or not) out there, and if you get a chance, don't miss it❗❢

Few things about the Eden garden itself:

Eden Gardens is the colosseum of cricket, a stadium that's steeped in history and adorned with a unique architecture that'll leave you awestruck. With a seating capacity of over 68,000, it's the second-largest cricket stadium in India after the newly-built Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad, making it the perfect battleground for some of the most epic cricket battles of all time.

 

Eden as seen from outside after the match

The stadium's stands are interconnected and named after legendary cricketers and historical figures, making it a fitting tribute to the sport and its storied past. From the B.C. Roy Clubhouse to the Jagmohan Dalmiya Stand and the Sourav Ganguly Stand, every corner of the stadium is a testament to the game's glorious heritage.

 

 

An old photo

But it's not just the stadium's architecture that makes it special. It's the fans. The Eden Gardens faithful are some of the most passionate and vocal supporters in the world, with their cheers and chants creating an atmosphere that's truly electric. And let's not forget the food stalls, where you can indulge in some of Kolkata's finest street food, from lassi to veg rolls and everything in between.

 

A look during match:

Attending a cricket match at Eden Gardens is like stepping into another world, where the excitement and passion of the game collide with the rich history and architecture of the stadium. So, whether you're a die-hard fan of the Kolkata Knight Riders or just looking for a taste of the magic of Indian cricket, a visit to Eden Gardens is an experience you won't soon forget.

Exploring

IPL

KKR

Punjab

PBKS

Eden garden

Kolkata