Live IPL match - mesmerizing ...

Have been sleeping over it for quite some time.

The moment we stepped into the stadium stands, we got completely swept by the atmosphere. It was like a grand thrill that banged onto our heads and hearts. Lush green ground, all players out on the ground, loud music, cheer leaders dancing, Hrithik's video playing on large screens - it was like a carnival. To add to that, audience - including us - were dancing and shouting and generally having fun.

It was a wonderful experience, the DY Patil Stadium was so nicely decorated - well maintained, with parking and transport arrangement. Everything was just fine. It was a pleasure drive for someone going from Pune. The stadium is within 25-30 kms after you leave the express way in Panvel. We drove back comfortably without any traffic woes after the match got over.

I was supporting Deccan Chargers that day, and Gilchrist lit up the stadium with so many sixes! Have to admit that the audience was quite disappointed for not seeing Sachin in action. Some other day, some other time ... may be ...

Watch out the attached posters we had made so enthusiastically - to attract the TV camera to us, but was not of much use I guess as nobody back home could spot us during the match. A 55 thousand crowd made sure that we and our posters are lost :)

By the way, it was written on the back of our tickets that mobile phones/cameras are not allowed. we strictly followed the instructions and left all our bags/mobiles/camera in the car and ended up losing the chance of taking any photos during the match. But, there were many people in the stands, who had smartly sneaked in cameras/mobiles and even video cameras and were shooting happily! Sigh ! The lady security guard at the only security check gate asked me, 'do you have mobile' ? I said no, and she let me go, without checking anything... must agree, a very safe way to do the safety checking :)