Hrishikesh Gupta
Super Royal Ambassador, Mumbai
About Hrishikesh: Passionate cricket enthusiast, hardcore Rajasthan Royals fan. Capable of discussing cricket for hours on end. Can engage in spirited conversations about the game with anybody, enriching every interaction with deep knowledge and enthusiasm.
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Growing up in Kalyan, a suburban city near Mumbai, surrounded by Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings fans, my allegiance to the Rajasthan Royals was anything but conventional. When the IPL kicked off in 2008, no one anticipated the Royals emerging as champions, but that unpredictability is what drew me in.
As a fervent admirer of Shane Warne and Rahul Dravid, two cricketing legends who graced the Royals squad, my affinity for the team began to blossom. While Dravid was part of the star-studded Royal Challengers Bangalore, it was Warne's charisma and leadership that captured my heart. The underdog spirit of the Royals resonated with me, and their historic triumph in the inaugural IPL season solidified my loyalty.
Shane Watson's prowess on the field further fueled my passion for the team, and I found myself eagerly awaiting clashes between Dravid's bat and the rest of the line-up. When Rahul Dravid eventually joined the Royals in 2011, it felt like a dream come true, completing my ideal team line-up.
But it wasn't just about individual players; it was about embracing the ethos of the team and standing by them through thick and thin. Even during the lows, whether it was a tough season or a string of losses, my allegiance remained unwavering.
As the years went by, I found myself cheering for new stars in the team. Ajinkya Rahane's elegant strokes and Sanju Samson's fearless batting captured my imagination, and when Samson was appointed as the captain, it felt like a natural progression for the team.
Through the highs of victories and the lows of defeats, I've remained a steadfast supporter of this team. Their journey mirrors my own, filled with unexpected twists and turns, but always driven by a relentless spirit and unwavering determination.
As I reflect on my journey as a Rajasthan Royals fan, I realize that my support for the team goes beyond wins and losses; it's a testament to the enduring bond between a fan and their beloved team, a bond that remains unbreakable, no matter what the future holds.
