New Chandigarh: The build-up to the IPL 2026 Qualifier 2 between Rajasthan Royals and Gujarat Titans turned the stadium into a carnival on Friday, with fans traveling across states to back their teams and catch a glimpse of 'boy wonder' Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
Fan Turnout and Atmosphere
Three buses of supporters arrived from Jaipur, packed with Rajasthan Royals fans in pink jerseys and traditional attire. Many others came from Baddi, where several RR supporters run businesses, adding to the sea of pink outside the venue. Among them was a man from Bikaner, wearing a traditional pagg, who traveled with 15 friends and relatives. Another fan from near Ajmer, now settled in Baddi, arrived with his family and confidently predicted a century from Sooryavanshi — one that eventually fell just four runs short.
Merchandise and Vendor Activity
Vendors capitalized on the buzz. Santosh Kumar Das, who traveled from Bihar to sell T-shirts, said Virat Kohli merchandise remained the top seller, followed by Sooryavanshi. 'After Kohli, it's him,' he said. Mohd Mushtaq, another vendor, echoed the sentiment. 'No matter which team people support, everyone wants to watch the 'boy wonder' play,' he said. Ravindra Yadav, a face painter from Uttar Pradesh, said the young batter's popularity was evident. 'Most people here seem to be backing his team,' he said while painting pink stripes and logos on fans.
Notable Attendees and Concerns
The match also drew well-known faces, including Shanti Priya Goyal, popularly known as the 'Tricolour Beard Man', whose car — painted in national colors and covered with cricketers' signatures — attracted attention outside the stadium. However, amid the festive atmosphere, concerns were raised over cleanliness near free water distribution points, where heaps of used plastic cups accumulated in the absence of dustbins, highlighting gaps in waste management during a high-footfall event.
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About the Author: Sukhmani Kooner joined Times of India straight from journalism school and covers consumer affairs, sports and public issues. She loves painting, trekking and being surrounded by nature.
