Kolkata, Apr 6 (IANS): The cheers and roars were back at the hallowed Eden Gardens as a near capacity crowd braved thundershowers to witness the home team Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) play their opening match of the 5th edition of the Indian Premier League against Delhi Daredevils Thursday.

Around 57,000 spectators, who waited patiently for close to three hours for the match which was delayed due to rain, cheered lustily the Knight Riders in spite of their lacklustre batting display as the big names failed to live up to their reputation.

Eden, famous for its boisterous crowd, had in the recent past seen a dwindling crowd leading to many including former India captain Sourav Ganguly express concern.

The meagre attendance during the India versus West Indies Test match last November made famed commentator and former England captain Tony Grieg likening the iconic ground to a "morgue".

However, Thursday's match allayed all fears as the Eden Gardens was livened up by a vociferous crowd who cheered and backed the home team, which much to their dislike handed the game tamely to their opponents Delhi Daredevils, losing out by eight wickets.