IPL 2023: CSK's unique initiative, 'Whistle Podu Express' providing fans with extraordinary experience

Ever since the advent of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, Chennai Super Kings have arguably been one of the best franchises in the tournament. Led by legendary Indian cricketer MS Dhoni, Chennai have won the title four times till now.

Chennai is also one of the most popular teams in the tournament and is known for providing fans with the best experience. Recently, the franchise owners launched the ‘Whistle Podu Express’, a special chartered train to help the fans in Tamil Nadu watch the four-time champions play.

In the CSK’s previous game against Punjab Kings, Chennai lost the thrilling game by the barest of margins. However, despite the loss, around 750 fans from different parts of Tamil Nadu came to watch the game on a specially chartered train for them.

The fans from Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Madurai, Dindigul, and Trichy had won several contests as they took an all-expense-paid trip to watch the game at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. The train left Kanyakumari on April 29 and reached Chennai after passing through Tirunelveli, Madurai, Dindigul, and Trichy on April 30, with traveling, lodging and match tickets to food refreshments, all the expenditure being borne by the franchise.

The Whistle Podu Express is a unique initiative: K.S Viswanathan

CEO of Chennai Super Kings, KS Viswanathan reflected on the initiative Launched by the franchise AND opined that the express is a unique one as it could give the fans a chance to experience the match live in the stadium.

"The Whistle Podu Express is a unique initiative by Chennai Super Kings. Our fan base extends beyond Chennai, and this special train gave an opportunity for fans from other parts of Tamil Nadu to experience a CSK match from Chepauk," Viswanathan was quoted as saying by MyKhel.

As expected, the initiative by the franchise has been welcomed by the fans and supporters with open arms. 

"Not even in my dreams did I think that I will watch a Chennai Super Kings match live at the MA Chidambaram stadium in Chepauk. I've been a huge fan CSK since 2008 but hailing from Kanyakumari, I've never had the opportunity to watch them so close," a 72-year-old fan named Devasagayam said. "Now thanks to the Whistle Podu Express, here I am enjoying this amazing experience of travelling with fans in the train and cheering for CSK from Chepauk!"