IPL fever grips tellydom

The most extravagant, glamorous and highly watched televised event, IPL is back with season 6. Yes, yesterday the entire world witnessed a scintillating opening ceremony and today, the battle begins with defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders locking horns with Delhi Daredevils. And as the cricketing fever grips TV viewers, even your favourite TV stars are all super excited and cheering for their preferred team. Hot and brawny Rithvik Dhanjani who is currently playing Arjun in Zee TV’s Pavitra Rishta and is also seen hosting India’s Best Dramebaaz, is a die-hard fan of cricket. He shared, “I follow cricket rigorously and I missed the opening ceremony this year. In fact, my friends come over from Dubai and we go to watch live matches on the ground. From past few days people are just talking about IPL on social media. I stay in Mumbai and I am a big time Sachin Tendulkar fan, so I am rooting for Mumbai Indians. I also like Chris Gayle because I love the way he plays and enjoys the game. Last time, Mumbai Indians, almost reached the finale and got knocked out in the end so my best wishes are always with the team.” Tall and sexy Kishwer Merchantt also enjoys watching cricket as she said, “I love Shah Rukh Khan and there is no doubt I am cheering for his team Kolkata Knight Riders. Like every year, this time also I, with my boyfriend Suyash (Kumar) and other friends will watch matches live in a stadium. I still remember last time I went to watch KKR v/s MI and we had an awesome time. I left the stadium dancing and singing as KKR won. This time I am again rooting for KKR and second on the list is MI. Talking about my favourite players, I like Gautam Gambhir and Zaheer Khan.” “For me cricket is a nuisance, but in a positive way. I simply love the energy and excitement surrounding it. When I was in college, my friends used to go mad and ask unknown people for scores. It’s good to see people getting close during such occasions. I feel proud that we have such brilliant teams in IPL. I don’t know which side to support but I like Dhoni a lot. I simply admire him because he comes from a small town and leading the national cricket team now. In future, even I would love to own a cricket team,” laughed Farhan Khan, who is seen in Sony Entertainment Television’s Chhanchhan. Gracious and talented Pratyusha Banerjee, who was last seen as Anandi in Colors’ Balika Vadhu, observed, “I am not that huge fan of cricket. It’s not that I don’t understand the game and I do keep myself updated but it somehow doesn’t excite me much. If, in case, I have to cheer for any team then I will always go for Kolkata Knight Riders. I am glad that they won last year and should make a ‘hattrick’.” Handsome lad Jay Soni has a different view about cricket as he stated, “Being an actor it is not a good period for us as we have to work really hard to garner more TRPs. I know I am being selfish but it is a fact. But who doesn’t enjoy watching cricket. There was a time when I used to follow the game thoroughly. Last year, I was rooting for KKR to win as I thought they deserved it. I like to watch cricket live on the ground as it gives you the feel of the perfect atmosphere and enthusiasm around.” “Hockey is our national game but India has always been cricket crazy. From my childhood, I am a big time Ashish Nehra fan. I will always cheer for Mumbai Indians whether they win or not. I believe cricket should be watched and experienced live in the stadium. I think it is the best way to enjoy the game. When I visit a ground to watch matches with my friends, we go crazy and dance on the seats,” averred Soumya Seth. Well, there are also some TV actors who doesn’t follow cricket like Kunal Karan Kapoor (Na Bole season 2) and Vivian Dsena (Madhubala). “I am not that huge fan of IPL. I am only excited about India-Pakistan encounters,” said Kunal. Vivian shared, “I love football more than the game of willow.” So guys, which team are you rooting for this IPL? Do shout out in the comment section below.