Rajasthan Royals’ game against Chennai Super Kings at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur will see Ajinkya Rahane’s side wear a special Pink jersey for a special initiative called ‘Cancer Out’. On this occasion, sections of the stadium, including the Players’ lounge (gold and silver), the President’s box and seats behind the teams’ dugout have been decked in pink. (LIVE BLOG | LIVE SCORECARD)
Thousands of pink shirts have been distributed as the Royals’ fans, normally seen in the traditional blue, turn pink for the day. However, the pink jersey is facing huge competition from the yellow of Chennai Super Kings, especially MS Dhoni’s No.7.
More yellow, less blue and pink
As one walked along the Amar Jawan Jyoti entrance lane of the Sawai Mansingh till Vidhan Sabha, there are plenty of shopkeepers who are selling team jerseys of Ajinkya Rahane and MS Dhoni. It is no surprise that in most shopkeeper stalls, the Dhoni jerseys sell out like hot cakes.
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Many fans queuing up outside the stadium to get entry are spotted with the Dhoni jersey. Some wear the Rajasthan Royals jersey but they are outnumbered. Some fans waved the Rajasthan Royals flag but donned a Chennai Super Kings jersey. The sea of yellow entering the stadium made you feel like you were in Chepauk, not in Jaipur.
{{/usCountry}}Many fans queuing up outside the stadium to get entry are spotted with the Dhoni jersey. Some wear the Rajasthan Royals jersey but they are outnumbered. Some fans waved the Rajasthan Royals flag but donned a Chennai Super Kings jersey. The sea of yellow entering the stadium made you feel like you were in Chepauk, not in Jaipur.
{{/usCountry}}Heavy security
The ‘Cancer Out’ initiative in the match against Chennai Super Kings will see the presence of Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje Scindia, who will be the chief guest for the match where she will support the initiative. Security at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium has been increased, with police personnel deployed every 500 meters. However, one of the locals said the security is not for the chief minister.
“The chief minister has her own security personnel. This increased security is for Dhoni because he is so popular,” a young stadium volunteer said.
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These words testify the mood at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium regarding Dhoni. The former Indian captain, having an average of 90 and a strike-rate of 165 in IPL 2018, is turning the clock back by finishing matches in grand style and the supporters in Jaipur will be hoping for another of his brilliant performances.