As Eden Gardens hosts the final of the sixth edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) between two-time champions Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians, local sports enthusiasts were a tad disappointed that their home team Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) could not make it to the play-offs.
Discontentment brewed among KKR fans and local cricket clubs in the city, known for turning out in thousands at the iconic stadium to watch "good cricket".
KKR were the winners of the last season of IPL, but this year they could not make it to the play-offs.
"We are hurt because our team has not qualified. We will watch IPL today but definitely we will miss KKR," the secretary of the Lake Club told IANS.
Of the 16 IPL matches KKR played, the team won six and lost 10 thereby ruining its chances for qualifying for the play-offs this season.
There was a definite ebb in excitement levels with the absence of the Knights.
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Secretary of the Outram Club said: "We are not happy as KKR is not there today. We will watch today's match definitely but that excitement is no more."
Eight-year-old cricket fan Raj Mehta, who identifies with KKR wants to "play good cricket" and be a part of his favourite squad some day.
"Iss baar finals mein mera team KKR nahi aaya. Main bada hoke acche se khelunga aur KKR mein jayunga (This year my favourite team KKR did not make it to the finals. I will play good cricket when I grow up and join the squad)," Mehta told IANS.