Euphoria shortlived

CHENNAI: The Marina Beach a summer Sunday looked empty.  Two words explained that: ‘IPL finals’. All roads leading to the MA Chidambaram Stadium were buzzing and all gates were jam packed with fans chanting “CSK CSK”. But the euphoria was shortlived as their favourite team lost out to Kolkata Knight Riders. Some fans painted their face yellow and some wrote CSK on both their cheeks. Outside Gates 7 and 8, around five face painters were standing around plying their craft. “I painted the faces of more than 40 people,” said Gurudas from Mumbai. Cut to a couple of hours before the match as hundreds of fans were seen outside Park Sheraton Hotel where the Chennai Super Kings team was put up. From kids to students, people of all ages were waiting outside the hotel to get a glimpse of their team.“I have been waiting for two hours to see Dhoni. We are not allowed inside but I don’t mind waiting here [outside] to see him,” said Shruthi, a student.When Captain MS Dhoni and his boys came out to the field before the match began, there was a huge roar both on and off the stadium. Almost all Chennaiites wanted to be at the stadium to cheer their team. But for those who could not get tickets, a huge screen was put up outside the stadium. “I came here thinking I can somehow manage to get tickets, but I didn’t. This screen is the closest to watching the match in the stadium,” said Arjun, a fan. While a few were watching the match at home, some were watching in pubs and cafes with their friends. “Our bar is full. In fact people are waiting outside to get in,” said Yoga Jyothi of Estelle hotel in Adyar.  Most fans were glad that the finals were on a Sunday and they did not have to take a day off.