Bengaluru Fans Brave Rain to Cheer Virat Kohli as Day 1 of India vs New Zealand Test Gets Delayed

The excitement at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium was palpable on October 16, 2024, as the crowd eagerly gathered for the first Test match between India and New Zealand, despite persistent rain causing delays. With fans undeterred by the inclement weather, the day was filled with loud cheers, especially when local hero Virat Kohli made an appearance.

Rain has been a constant companion for the city this week, forcing the Karnataka government to issue an Orange Alert and ask citizens to work from home. However, the gloomy weather did little to dampen the spirits of cricket lovers, who flocked to the stadium in large numbers. With umbrellas and raincoats in hand, fans lined up outside the stadium well before the scheduled start, hopeful that the skies would clear up for some cricketing action.

Unfortunately, Day 1 of the match saw no play as the rain continued to fall, pushing the toss to be delayed indefinitely. Despite this, the enthusiasm from the Bengaluru crowd remained electric, with cheers echoing throughout the stadium.

As the rain refused to relent, the Indian team decided to switch to indoor training sessions. The moment Virat Kohli, the city’s favorite son and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) star, walked across the field towards the indoor nets, the stadium erupted in chants of his name. The bond between Kohli and the Bengaluru fans has only grown stronger over the years, with the Chinnaswamy Stadium often feeling like a second home for him.

Kohli, who has long enjoyed the unwavering support of the Bengaluru crowd, waved to the fans as they showered him with love. Even in the absence of any actual play, Kohli’s brief appearance lit up the otherwise dreary day, reminding everyone of his immense popularity in the city.

Alongside Kohli was rising star Yashasvi Jaiswal, who walked with him to the indoor training area. Jaiswal, eager to learn from the veteran, has often been seen practicing with Kohli. His presence alongside the cricketing giant was a testament to how younger players look up to Kohli for guidance and inspiration.

The crowd’s energy remained high, with chants continuing throughout the day, despite the ongoing drizzle. Fans waited patiently, hoping for at least a few overs of play, while keeping their eyes on updates regarding the weather. The dedication of the supporters was clear, as they braved the rain simply for a glimpse of their favorite players.

While the weather may have stolen the cricketing action on Day 1, the bond between the players and the Bengaluru fans was on full display. The passionate support from the stands showed the depth of love cricket enjoys in India, especially in a city where a player like Kohli has built a legacy.

As the rain continues to threaten the series opener, fans are hopeful that the skies will clear in the coming days, allowing India and New Zealand to showcase their skills on the field. Until then, the Bengaluru crowd remains optimistic, eager to watch Kohli and the Indian team in action as soon as the weather permits.

For now, the loud chants and Kohli’s brief interaction with the crowd will be the highlight of an otherwise rain-soaked first day at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.

image credit: thecricketlounge.com

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