Meerut says three cheers for Team Hyderabad this IPL season

As the cricket carnival continues with the Indian Premier League commencing this week, Meerut has also been gripped by the T20 fever. However, unlike the previous editions of the tournament when Meerut fans’ loyalties were divided between various teams, the city seems to be bleeding orange this year, as all three international cricketers from the city – Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Praveen Kumar, and Karn Sharma – are a part of the Sunrisers Hyderabad squad for this year’s tournament. The presence of the city’s three favourite cricketing sons has made the team an immediate fan favourite in Meerut.
Meerutwalas Shifting IPL Loyalties to Hyderabad
City residents, both young and old, say that regardless of what their favourite team was earlier, they will unanimously support Hyderabad this year. Ajay Singh, a businessman, says, “I have always supported Chennai because Dhoni is my favourite player. But I have special affinity to Praveen, Bhuvneshwar, and Karn because they belong to my city. With all three of them playing for Hyderabad, that is my de facto favourite outfit this year. I want all these three players to perform well and I’m sure, like me, several Meerutwalas will be cheering for them and Hyderabad this year.” Naman, a student, says, “Hyderabad is a strong team with the presence of players like David Warner, Shikhar Dhawan, and Kane Williamson. On top of that, we have three players from our own city playing in the same team. I used to support Bangalore earlier but this year, I’m rooting for Hyderabad. In fact, I’m even planning to buy a jersey which I will sport whenever Hyderabad plays.”
At the Victoria Park academy where Bhuvneshwar and Praveen trained, kids are unanimous in their choice of favourite IPL outfit. Chetan, 16, says, “Meerut has never identified itself with any single team since IPL began. Delhi is close by so many people support that team but others usually support whichever team houses their favourite player. For instance, I always supported Mumbai because of Sachin. However, this year with PK and Bhuvi both playing for Hyderabad, that is the team I will support. I want them to win the title and for both these players to do exceptionally well.”
High Expectations from the Trio
Athar Ali, the coach of Karn Sharma, says, “All the three kids from Meerut are playing in the same IPL team for the first time. So naturally, all of us support that team. In the academies and parks across the city, kids are shifting their loyalties from other teams to Hyderabad. Budding cricketers from Meerut try and emulate these three cricketers and treat them like role models. Hence, the support for Hyderabad team is very high from Meerut. Shubham, an avid cricket fan, says, “Praveen and Bhuvi will learn a lot from the likes of Steyn, the best bowler in the world. The players will be keen on doing well so that they can be regulars in the Indian team in the years to come. We, the people of Meerut, have always taken pride in their performances, and now since their performances are to Hyderabad, we all will be cheering for the team.”
Confident that Hyderabad will Lift the Cup
Sanjay Rastogi, a senior coach at the Victoria Park academy, says, “My gut feeling says that Hyderabad will go on to win the crown this year and the three sons of Meerut will have important contributions to the campaign. The good thing about all these three players is that they are all-rounders and hence, their presence in the side is an asset to the team. Hyderabad used to be a lesser team in the IPL due to the absence of many big names but this year, at least in Meerut, they have found a huge fan following.”
Kishan Pal Singh, Bhuvneshwar’s father, says, “The people of Meerut are very proud and we take special pride in someone from our city achieving big and making the city proud. Needless to say with the presence of Bhuvneshwar, Karn, and Praveen, the entire city will support the Hyderabad team. I have high hopes from Bhuvi but I’m sure that even Praveen and Karn will perform well. In fact, I’m confident that these three will be instrumental in helping Hyderabad win the IPL this year.”
For latest Bollywood updates follow us on Twitter >>>@TOIEntertain
For the latest in Bollywood news, like us on Facebook >>>TOIEntertain