Names that evoke a chuckle, Chennai’s knowledgeable fans, and ‘Thala’ Dhoni

By K.R. Nayar
From M. A. Chidambaram Stadium

Chennai. A World Cup in India is a special experience. Every city one visits is different, and everywhere there are tales—both, about the city, and cricket. It is not cricket alone that entertains, because if you keep your eyes open, you will see the many creative and humorous things around. In Ahmedabad, the creativity and humour in naming establishments were remarkable.

At the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium. Photo by K.R. Nayar 

“What’s in a name?” asked Shakespeare in Romeo and Juliet but after seeing a few in India, one feels that names do play a big role. They grab attention like a last-over six. As we drove towards the Ahmedabad stadium, the names given to certain establishments evoked many a chuckle among the media. As the media bus crawled through the Ahmedabad traffic at a pace that would embarrass even a defensive forward push, I had enough time to read, re-read, and even photograph these masterpieces of naming brilliance. 

A Black Rhino Fitness Centre. Photo by K.R. Nayar

Black Rhino Fitness stood proudly close to the hotel we stayed. Does it mean that those who train there come out as strong as a rhino? Then came a fitness centre named Any Time Fitness 24x7—clearly inspired by the good old ATM: Any Time Money. 

Any Time Fitness Centre. Photo by K.R. Nayar 

In a country where money and fitness are both pursued with equal desperation, the connection felt poetic! A little ahead was Buddha International Spa. Step in stressed, step out enlightened—perhaps even ready to deliver a sermon!

Buddha International Spa. Photo by K.R. Nayar 

And then, the ultimate—Divine Gastro Hospital. Quite fitting, really. Because when a gastro problem disappears, it does feel divine! But one lingering question refused to leave me: when everything around sounds so positive, why does Ahmedabad end in “bad”? Why not Ahmedagood for a change?

Divine Gastro Hospital. Photo by K.R. Nayar 

In Chennai, one gets the feeling of being in a city that deserves a World Cup match. Whether India beats Zimbabwe or not, the match will be played in front of the most knowledgeable cricket fans in India. It is said that in Chennai, fans do not watch cricket—they analyse and debate it and even outthink the experts. Cricket here is savoured like their favourite dish - a hot bowl of rasam. 

The Chennai Domestic Airport where hundreds of fans are arriving. Photo by K.R. Nayar 

At the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, spectators clap not only for boundaries or sixes, but also for a well-left delivery outside the off stump. In most places, a forward defensive shot earns silence, but in Chennai, they applaud it. Most people in Chennai are lovers of classical music, and one feels that excellent deliveries from bowlers are appreciated like songs from the legendary Carnatic singer, the late M. S. Subbulakshmi. Technique here is music, and timing is devotion.

Thala Dhoni and Chinna Thala Raina

In local newspapers here, the most prominent news, along with the World Cup, is about their biggest cricket hero—M. S. Dhoni. It was about 45-year-old Dhoni being unlikely to play all the matches for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the upcoming IPL, but only a select few. Similarly, another news item was about Suresh Raina, who also played for CSK. Fans in Chennai would address Dhoni as “Thala” (meaning leader in Tamil) and Raina as “Chinna Thala” (junior leader). Raina had spoken in Goa during a T20 league, in which he urged every youngster to stay positive and focus on the next ball, and not on the noise around them.

‘Whistle podu’ and its battles

Among Chennai fans, ‘whistle podu’ (blow the whistle) is not just a slogan—it is a ritual to cheer the players. Recently, there was a news item saying that whistles would be banned during this World Cup. Reasons floated around like loose deliveries. Some claimed that they were proving to be a distraction for players. Some said  that the whistle is the official symbol of a political party, and hence the ruling party wanted it banned. Thankfully, they did not say it confused residents in nearby houses who use tea kettles. Whatever be the reason, it is loud but infectious. The fans here are so sporting that they cheer even an opponent’s century.Now they  are waiting to erupt in joy if India beats Zimbabwe on Thursday.