IPL 2018: First time in Indian Railways’ history, an entire train travelled with cricket fans

Whistle Podu Express made history during it’s first voyage from Chennai to Pune. It was the first time in history of Indian Railways that an entire train had travelled with all bogies full of cricket fans. Bipin Dani’s report from observerbd.com reported Krishnath Patil, the Senior Divisional Commercial Manager (Sr. DCM) saying so.

The train carrying supporting of IPL team Chennai Super Kings (CSK) reached Pune railway station at 11.40 am on Friday. The senior DCM welcomed the fans and said, “This is the first time full train of 18 coaches ran specially for thousands of cricket fans. We received the CSK fans with great enthusiasm at Pune station”.

A Dhoni fan himself, Patil added, “I am a cricket lover and also Dhoni’s fan, not only because he was India captain but I like to see him performing well under pressure also.”

Add Cricket Country as a Preferred Source

The #WhistlePoduExpress is now in the #DenAwayFromDen replete with the #WhistlePoduArmy! #whistlepodu pic.twitter.com/jcU3zXr7h7

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 20, 2018

The motorman, B Gunashekhar and Guard KC Gaikwad were equally excited to bring Chennai-based fans to Pune.

“We were happy and excited to bring the fans to see the match. We welcome them in this city because the matches of their team have been shifted to this city”, said Gaikwad, whereas Gunashekhar added, “We are also cricket fans and are invited to watch the match. However because of our duty schedules we are not going for the match.

[link-to-post url=”https://www.cricketcountry.com/articles/chennai-super-kings-to-take-over-railway-bookings-from-irctc-703600”][/link-to-post]

Around 1,200 fans have travelled in 18 coaches to Pune. CSK’s home matches in Chennai were forced to shift to Pune due to the Cauvery protests. The fans must have had a gala time as CSK beat Rajasthan Royals (RR) comprehensively to bag the top of the table position in VIVO IPL 2018.