Super Sunday: Kol prays & cheers as Team India lays 25-yr-old demon to rest in nail-biting finish
Times of India | 10 March 2025
Kolkata: Fans swayed between hope and despair, joy and heartbreak, as the India-New Zealand Champions Trophy final took unexpected twists and turns. Finally, much to the relief of Kolkata fans, who had huddled around TVs at pubs, malls, clubs, homes and neighbourhood giant screens, the Men in Blue exorcised the demons of the 2000 Champions Trophy final when they had lost to the Kiwis. The revenge came after a quarter century making it a Super Sunday that fans had been hoping for.
As Ravindra Jadeja hit the winning stroke to seal India's 4-wicket victory, the city erupted in celebrations with drums, crackers and Holi colours. Joyous scenes were witnessed at the South City Mall which screened the match on a giant screen. Restobars screening the match had a busy and exciting time. Many had offers on food and drinks for fans streaming in. "The crowd was bigger than any Sunday evening and most had turned out to cheer for India. With India batting second and Rohit Sharma on fire, the entertainment was just perfect. We offered free pegs for every four and six hit by India," said Sudesh Poddar, owner of Songhai and MS Bar & Lounge.
While Rachin Ravindra threatened to take the game away with some lusty hits at the beginning, it was Kuldeep Yadav who castled him, bringing India back into the match. Thereafter, it was the trio of Varun Chakravarthy, Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav who spun a web around the Kiwi batters, choking the run flow and picking up regular wickets.
The South City atrium went into thunderous rupture as Rohit Sharma struck a six off the second ball of the innings. As he followed it up with two boundaries, the cheer turned deafening.
Drinks flowed generously at WhatsUp Café on Southern Avenue as Indian batters stepped up the gas. It offered a shot for Rs 4 for every boundary and at Rs 6 for every six hit by India. "We had offers on beer, too, and had fans, wearing India jerseys, from all over the city. With India batting second and playing so well, all had their money's worth. We had a giant screen on the terrace which offered a stadium-like feel to the fans," said owner Anirban Sengupta. By 6.30 pm, the restaurant had been fully occupied and had more tables booked for later evening.
Oasis on Park Street had a big evening crowd soaking in every stroke that thundered from the bat of Rohit & Co. "The crowd swelled beyond our expectations and finally patrons had to jostle for a view though we have multiple screens," said owner Pratap Daryanani.
"I vividly remember how in 2000, Chris Cairns and Chris Harris snatched victory even after India had reduced New Zealand to five down with half of the runs to be scored. This time, thankfully India fielded first and had the advantage of chasing a modest target on a slow wicket. Although the fielding was sloppy, I am glad they bowled and batted brilliantly," said Sutirtha Basu, 46, from Jadavpur, who watched the match with the same set of childhood friends as the 2000 final on Sunday at a friends' home.
Posters of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Hardik Pandya were held high as fans celebrated their heroes.
Chetla Central Road and Beleghata Main Road became the two epicentres of celebrations in south and north Kolkata with giant screens drawing thousands of cricket lovers.
Midnight traffic came to a standstill as revellers played music and danced with unbridled joy. Gariahat crossing witnessed similar scenes, with fans racing their bikes while giant Tricolours fluttered in the wind. Harish Mukherjee Road and Garden Reach flyover also became a hub of excitement
"I had been waiting for this moment since my childhood. I remember I was in school when India lost that Champions Trophy final in 2000. Ganguly's century had gone in vain. Although India won a shared trophy the next year and then again became the champion in 2013, the loss to the Kiwis still used to sting. Now I can sleep in peace," said Souvick Basu, a techie from Behala.
At Sinthee crossing, youngsters sprinted down the road with a giant Tricolour, while Baranagar erupted in joyous celebrations that pierced the midnight silence. Homes across the city echoed with cheers, as families who had been glued to their screens erupted in delight when Kuldeep Yadav's stunning deliveries had sent India's biggest headaches Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson packing in consecutive overs.
"We screamed our lungs out when Rohit Sharma hit one six after another and completed his half century. The big man had reserved his best game for the most important match of the tournament. Our prayers were answered," said Tanmay Dutta, a resident of Salt Lake Duttabad who was part of a yajna that club members had organised earlier in the day chanting for India's victory.