Divided loyalty at Eden
The match literally lived up to the much-hyped build up as the home spectators for a change shouted 'Dada, Dada', 'Go Pune, Go Pune' when the Knight Riders were batting first.
City's quizmaster-turned-politician Derek O'Brien was among the sellout 65,000 crowd cheering for Ganguly, while his daughter was there to support the home side Kolkata Knight Riders.
"All set then. Daughter supporting KKR but I am rooting for Dada's Pune Warriors," the MP said from his VVIP box.
The J Block resembled a mini Pune soaked in blue colours with a 1000-odd Pune supporters sitting together, holding placards and waving flags.
"Welcome to your home," read one placard while another said "Pune will rise like a phoenix," referring to their four-match losing streak to be on the second last spot on the league standings.
The support was also divided among the Debnath family of six members who had come here after booking tickets online.
"I cannot ditch our Ganguly. Wherever he goes, we will follow him. I'm obviously a Pune fan," 42-year-old businessman Dilip Debnath, sporting a Pune jersey, said.
His daughter Esha and son Tapobrata, however, were sporting KKR jersies.
"Kolkata is our city and the Knight Riders are our team. We love Ganguly but we will always remain loyal to Kolkata. They are doing well. I'm sure KKR will win it today also," the duo said in unison. MORE