Eden Gardens, where the India-South Africa match unfolded, was a cauldron of emotions. With a capacity of 66,000, the venue witnessed a rollercoaster of feelings as the afternoon wore on – anticipation, excitement, and euphoria. Chants like “Jeetega bhai jeetega, India Jeetaga” and “Happy Birthday, King Kohli” resonated through the stadium, fuelling the crowd’s passion.
The atmosphere changed as the innings progressed. Creative banners with messages like “My boss thinks I’m working from home” added humour to the intense cricket action. Virat Kohli, the cricketing icon of his age, was celebrated with hundreds of banners that showed adulation for the man they simply call “King Kohli”. Some fans took it a step further by attempting to dress up as Kohli, and the Indian cricket team was greeted by a sea of blue replica jerseys.
As a Mumbaikar, I’ve always cherished the Wankhede Stadium for its fantastic crowd, but when I set foot inside Eden Gardens, I was spellbound. The energy there was on a whole new level. The crowd’s reaction to milestones was electric. Every boundary and six was celebrated with full-throated roars. It wasn’t just about cricket; it was a symphony of emotions.
What set Kolkata’s crowd apart was also the respect they showed for the Proteas team. They recognised and appreciated good cricket, cheering South Africa on during their brighter moments. It was a beautiful display of sportsmanship, where the love for the game transcended national borders.
The chant “Yeh World Cup humara hain [This World Cup is ours]” echoed throughout the stadium, underlining the unwavering confidence the Eden crowd had in the Indian team. The travelling Bharat army hordes being present added to the crowd’s excitement, and they cheered along with them. It was more than just a chant; it was a declaration of belief and support. The crowd genuinely believed, and they were ready to carry India’s dream to fruition.
The sight of Indian flags fluttering all around the stadium was a constant, vibrant sea of tricolours. It felt like the entire stadium was the twelfth man, a passionate force backing the playing XI with unwavering support.
One could observe waves of enthusiasm rippling through the crowd, a shared pulse that brought everyone together into the heart of the action. It wasn’t just a game; it was a collective experience, a burst of emotion and energy that transcended the boundaries of language and culture.
But what truly caught the eye was the manner in which they greeted a team that may play just this one match at this historic venue. They had put in a remarkable effort to replicate the World Cup trophy, fashioning it out of various materials, and celebrating alongside it at every possible opportunity.
What added to the fans’ happiness was Kohli’s brilliant 49th hundred. The dedicated fans were in for a special treat on his birthday, making it a truly memorable day both for them and the cricket legend. Being there to witness the moment first-hand felt like an exhilarating rollercoaster ride.
From the very first delivery that Kohli faced to the last, the crowd never stopped cheering his every shot and gesture. The emotions in the air oscillated between nervous anticipation, electrifying excitement, and pure happiness as Kohli approached his century. Suddenly, the crowd at Eden Gardens recognised the possibility of history being made in front of their eyes.
As the sun went down, camera flashlights illuminated the stands, and chants filled the air as Kohli entered the nervous 90s. The man himself, the epitome of composure, reached his century seamlessly, setting the stadium ablaze with jubilation. It was a moment of true euphoria that enveloped everyone present at Eden Gardens.
While many had anticipated such an innings, Kohli achieving this milestone on his birthday was the perfect icing on the cake, making an already special day even more extraordinary.
Eden Gardens during the South Africa vs. India match was not just a cricket stadium; it was a temple of passion, a place where emotions ran deep, and where the fans were as much a part of the action as the players. The mood, the chants, the mutual respect, the flags, and the creative celebrations all blended together to create an unforgettable atmosphere, and a testament to the undying love for cricket in India.