On a matchday, the areas surrounding the Wankhede Stadium – Marine Lines and Churchgate – are abuzz. The excitement is palpable. As soon as the gates open, the fans throng into the stands and there is adrenaline flowing.
But yesterday wasn’t even a matchday. As my local train reached Marine Lines, I could see a group of college boys rushing into the stands via the Marine Lines bridge – a common sight a couple of hours before a match. Then an uncle swinging by the pole near the door provided an important bit of information to a couple of us, ” Aaj Mumbai Indians ka celebrations hai yaahan. Free entry hai, public bhar jaayegi. Players log naach gana karenge aur shayad khaana bhi hoga.” ( Today is Mumbai Indians’ title celebration here. The entry is free. People will fill in, there might be singing and dancing from the players and they might serve free food too.)
The message had reached the masses about the extended title celebrations at the Wankhede. Mumbai Indians flag sellers had taken their positions about 500 meters away from the stadium. As I reached the stadium, one hour before the start, I was surprised to see that three stands – MCA pavilion, Vithal Divecha stand and the Garware Pavilion- were jam packed.
The DJ was in full flow playing Bollywood hits. The other stands started to fill in. Amidst extreme humidity, a passionate Wankhede crowd somehow kept singing and dancing. The wait was long and just as it seemed that the fans were settling down for some rest – The DJ played the MI theme song. It was half an hour late but the crowd suddenly came to life as the entire team stepped down the stairs of pavilion. Chants of Mumbai…..Mumbai…. encapsulated the stadium. The flashes of camera were blinding.
The entire team along with the support staff commenced a victory lap around the stadium. The Sachin reception was no surprise but just as the team was about to complete the lap and they reached the Garware Pavilion, the fans suddenly started chanting Ma…Linga, MA…Linga. The Sri Lankan pacer was enjoying every moment of it. None of the other players got such a reception during the lap of honour.
Malinga was the popular figure again as the ensemble settled on the stage during the question/Answer session with host Gaurav Kapoor. Gaurav was calling out names to ask questions but after four names, the crowd, by itself, started chanting Ma…Linga….Ma…Linga again. They wanted him to come and speak more than the others.
Malinga has been an integral part of the MI team since its inception and has become sort of a cult hero. He was genuinely thrilled by the response. “I really like to play here because of the support of the fans. The atmosphere has been really good, we need this type of support in future also,” he said.
MI have made Wankhede stadium their fortress and it’s the unconditional support of the crowd that has played a crucial part in their success. Mumbai crowd know how to get behind their team. They are hardcore supporters. They are hostile towards the opposition. And the theme of the celebration was appreciation of their support that the MI team has received throughout the campaign.
“Namaskar Mumbai.” As soon as Sachin spoke these words in his mother tongue Marathi, the crowd went wild. “We couldn’t have done this without your support. These are rare moments which come in life and when we share these with you, they become even more sweet and memorable. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey which didn’t start off that well but the team stuck together…there were some challenging moments and true character of any side is displayed when tough times are there. Credit to entire team support staff and everyone and also fans for having faith in us,” he added.
Gaurav then reminisced a joke about gifting Eden Gardens track to Rohit Sharma for his wedding and when he asked him “you like that track don’t you?”, Rohit’s reply sent the crowd into a frenzy. “More than anything, I like Mumbai.” A huge smile erupted on his face as the crowd started chanting Rohit….Rohit. “This is the ground where I started playing cricket. I always love playing in front of this wonderful crowd. Their support throughout the IPL was fantastic. It wouldn’t have been possible without them, this trophy belongs to all the fans,” he added.
The stadium was 65-70% filled and the crowd looked in the mood. And when coach Ricky Ponting was called on to speak, he got a rousing reception.
Ponting has experienced the ability of Wankhede crowd to heckle the opposition teams. He’s faced the hostility in the past with the touring Australian side. But when he was asked whether he had seen a more louder and passionate crowd than Wankhede in the world, his answer was, “I don’t think I have. This Mumbai crowd and Mumbai public have been absolutely sensational throughout the tournament. In spite of the start, they kept turning up every game and it was a sell out. Their support has been pivotal in helping us reach the pinnacle.”
He added a bit of humour too saying “I think I was almost out of my job after four losses in first four games.”
Harbhajan was at his animated best, doing bhangra and making the crowd break into a step or two.
“Mai Punjabi kam hu, Mumbai wala zyaada ho gaya hu aab,” he said with a cheeky smile appreciating the crowd support.
Kieron Pollard, though, looked like he’s hungry for more. “Mumbai has been home away from home for me. I try to deliver for the team as much as possible. Great to see you fans turn up again, Thank you all.”
When Gaurav asked him to show some him some dancing steps, he replied, “I will leave the dancing to Dwayne (Bravo). I will make sure Mumbai Indians win. No dancing for me.”
The fireworks went off as Rohit lifted the trophy along with the entire team. The ceremony ended and just as I moved out of the stands, there was a familiar sight. The fans still wanted a bit more of their heroes. They lined up near the team bus to get a final glimpse of their heroes.
It wasn’t the same madness that we witnessed eight years ago during the World T20 trophy celebrations at the same venue. But the Mumbai crowd surely knows how to welcome its stars in style and make sure it was a night to remember – for them and for the players.
