Time to whistle podu

CHENNAI: Two years without my favourite team in the most entertaining cricket format was painful. The suspension broke the hearts of millions. I support the team and I do have my preferences or love towards certain players. But, when it comes to CSK, it’s one team, one feeling, and one love. That’s why I hardly supported or watched any game for the last two years. I’m definitely going to watch every match, every single over and every delivery. —Chiraag Ranka, 20, Loyola College

I was extremely let down when they were banned for two years. I remember switching off the TV angrily when Dhoni stepped out into the field for his first match as Pune Supergiants’s captain. But this year, the excitement is real. My friends and I plan to arrange a match party at home, with invites and a schedule, too! —Nivetha Sekar, 20, MOP Vaishnav College

I couldn’t be any happier! I tried watching a Pune vs Gujarat match last year but couldn’t see the players in a colour other than yellow. CSK is more than just a team for most millennials. It’s been around for half of our own existence. Their return feels like a festival. —Anagha Natraj,20, MOP Vaishnav College

I don’t think it was fair that the entire team was punished for a crime committed by a few members. IPL felt a bit lifeless without CSK. But this year’s excitement has been surreal, with fans going to the ground, just to watch the team practice. At home too, I have a brother who supports Mumbai Indians, and there’s friendly banter going on already. —Arun Krishna B, 21, SSN College

I am delighted with their return as they have so much to offer. Not just as a team but the brand of CSK has been playing over the past 10 years, giving every opposition a sturdy competition. This makes them the most consistent team in IPL. To me, cricket is above any team/player, but in their absence I missed watching them. I can’t wait to get back to the stands and enjoy the game of cricket, with fans going berserk, supporting their most favourite franchise. — Rishabh Saklecha, 21, School of Architecture, Meenakshi College of Engineering

I’m happy that CSK is back. I stopped watching the IPL on a regular basis after their suspension. They were eliminated because of the management. I would’ve liked if they stayed with a different management and continued to play. I am eager to watch the team return. —Akil MP, 21, SVCE

Without CSK I felt that there wasn’t enough competition between the teams, so I’m really happy this year. After CSK was banned, I supported the Pune team because of Dhoni, but soon started getting bored and stopped watching IPL. But this year I’m really looking forward to watching it again. CSK is all set to roar, and their performance will definitely shut the mouths of all its haters. Although I’m sad that our Chennai man Ashwin isn’t on the team, the squad looks good with more than five experienced players in it. —Anirudh, 21, SRM University

I am a die-hard fan of Dhoni. I’m happy that CSK is back in the IPL. The team was banned for legit reasons, but the worst part was to see them play for other teams. Now that they are back, I’ve been constantly following official updates of the team. I also went for their practice sessions. I am eager to book tickets for the first match. —Linkesh Kumar, 20, SVCE

It’s been a long wait to see Dhoni in yellow, bracing up to the Captain Cool that every Indian looks forward to. However, cricket is not just a sport in India. It’s a religion. I missed the presence of Chennai Super Kings but I was excited to see other teams fight for the title with the utmost professionalism. —Suyan Shanmugam, 20, SRM Ramapuram

I am excited about their comeback; IPL feels complete now. You just can’t pick a thing or two about CSK, it’s a culture and an emotion! I wouldn’t be surprised if this is going to be one of the greatest comebacks. I not just completely stopped watching IPL but television itself. Without CSK, I felt IPL had no glory and charm. I am all pumped up now and I am looking forward to recharging my TV network after two long years. —Kishore Shanmugam, 20, SRM college

One cannot deny the fact that irrespective of whether we are CSK fans or not, we were all looking forward to have them back. You don’t need a Shah Rukh Khan or a Preity Zinta to market and encourage your team. With comeback posts, videos and memes doing the rounds on social media it is clearly evident that the kind of love we’re showering on them is phenomenal. The turnout for the first match is going to be mad! —Bhavini Vijay, 20, Stella Maris College

As an ardent fan of Dhoni and team CSK, I cannot express how thrilled I am to watch it be a part of this IPL, again. Every team has its downfalls and so did we. It’s inevitable. In spite of all the chaos, CSK fans have stood loyal. For most of us, CSK is an emotion. Every time a former CSK player performed for another team and did well, it brought back some happiness and joy. It’s a matter of joy to see them in those bright yellow jerseys. I’ve already washed and ironed my yellow jersey and T-shirt, it’s high time I found that whistle! —Vinithra Ravi, 23, MOP Vaishnav College for Women