THE CRICKETING EXTRAVAGANZA — Indian Premier League IPL 2016

The world cup has settled, the minnows have done their bit, the upsets are done with, and the big boys are in town. Having clinched their historic and emotional 2nd World T20 cup with a bang, along with Women’s World T20 and U19 WC, West Indies have again brought back the aura surrounding the great West Indian teams of 1970s and 80s. But now the celebrations are put to rest, for the most awaited event of the calendar year is here. No, I am not talking about Ind-Aus Test series or The Ashes, but as u would have rightly guessed — the IPL. The Vivo IPL 2016 is here. The treat that every cricket fanatic awaits year after year, the stage that many upcoming players dream to achieve stardom, the arena wherein u don’t cheer for India, but for the individual players you love. For, the zeal, the fan following, the bonds, the emotions these players forge with the spectators is what the essence of IPL.

The likes of Dhonis, Gayles, Sharmas, Rainas, Kohlis, Narines, and Tahirs etc. put up a surreal display of cricketing pyrotechnics to enthral every spectator that comes to the stands or the one who watches at home. The dil-scoops, switch-hits, reverse sweeps, heaves and slogs over cover and mid-wicket, helicopter shots, lap shots of fast bowlers are the go to shots for batsmen more often than the conventional playing with a straight bat shots. The bowlers have also their work cut out; by bowling slow bouncers, yorkers, low full tosses and all kinds of slower balls, bowler try to outfox the batsmen. Who would have thought that in a slam-bang version of cricket, the spinners would be amongst top wicket getters? (Bowlers-most wickets) This year has seen a rather unfortunate turn of the events leading up to the 9th edition of IPL. Two teams banished, replaced by new teams with players now as rivals who were once part of the same group. It is rather fascinating as a cricket lover to see the kind of fan following built up, RPSG in particular, thanks to MSD. Gujarat Lions captained by Suresh Raina & Rising Pune Supergiants led by MS Dhoni, although new entrants to the IPL, have a genuine star-studded line-up ready to rub shoulders with the remaining teams.

A glance at the respective team sheets of every team is sure to send shivers in the opposition ranks. A battle that ensues is of the highest order and only those who are smart, bold, and brave and have tremendous self-belief fare well. The IPL has witnessed many such epic encounters, spectacular 100’s, breath taking fielding, close run chases, extraordinary bowling spells and the winner at the end of the day is ‘Cricket’ in itself. The IPL was envisioned to promote, hone and display the quality of Indian domestic players and it has served well. Had it not been for IPL, we would not have witnessed the likes of Jadeja, Mohit Sharma, and Pandya etc. play for India. A very heart-warming offshoot of the IPL is the emergence of old war horses like Nehra, Harbhajan, Zaheer, Tambe giving neck and neck competition to the youngest talents.

As far as captains are concerned, the incarnated Kohli, monk-like Dhoni, the copper-bottomed Raina, mercurial Gambhir, the vintage Zaheer, the swashbuckling Miller, the prodigal Sharma and the brutal Warner are the embodiment of their teams. (Click here to view squads) The teams all start with a clean slate every year, charting their destiny, chasing the glory, led by their captains, executed by domestic players and international stars; all to play, for the pride, for the passion, for the recognition, for the ultimate title of cricketing calendar — ‘IPL trophy’. So, who will it be this time around? MI or KKR, RCB or SRH, DD or KXIP, will the new entrants RPSG and GL spring a surprise? I guess we will have to just wait and watch. But just to serve as a reminder, don’t forget to enjoy the spectacular cricketing display showcased every evening during the IPL.

Author: Aditya Londhe

To read more such interesting stories, download Reacho.