Chennai In Wait-And-Watch Mode: Will CSK Paint The Town Yellow?

Come Saturday, hundreds and thousands of Chennai's 6.6 million people, and millions of fans outside the city, will be rooting for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as they clash against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

-  SHINE JACOB, AJINKYA KAWALE & AKSHARA SRIVASTAVA

If CSK wins, it will move a step closer to the final of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL). In which case, expect Chennai to be painted yellow.

Though the final showdown at Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium on May 26 is still over 10 days away, hotels have started preparing in anticipation. The plans include special cuisines named for the teams playing the finals and cricket-themed buffets.

Says Abdul Kather, associate director of Food and Beverage, Feathers -A Radha Hotel: "With live screenings of the match, specially curated food and beverage offerings, and a vibrant cricket-themed ambiance, we aim to create an electrifying atmosphere at Vapor Lounge Bar where guests can immerse themselves in the excitement of the game."

At Turyaa Hotels near Old Mahabalipuram road, an exclusive liquid buffet "tailor-made for IPL enthusiasts", and live cricket action is planned at the rooftop as part of a Rs 3,000 per person package, says its general manager, Krishan Kodippili.

A centrally located five-star hotel is also expected to organise a match screening at its bar while serving dishes themed around the gentleman's game.

The Spotted Gastropub at The Palomar by Crossway, a luxury boutique hotel on East Coast Road, is also Deer pulling out all the stops. On the platter are live screenings of the T20 Eliminators, Qualifiers and "the all-important final", along with dishes and cricketer-themed cocktails such as Captain Cool and Jaddu's Sword, says Hasnain Abbas, managing director of the hotel.

A directive from the IPL organisers could, however, stymie these plans.