The IPL juggernaut is about
to begin and since the Indian cricket team has performed exceptionally
well in the last series, there is a lot of expectation from the upcoming
crickeTainment. There are many things to watch over the next couple of
months but below are my Top 5 picks for this year's IPL:
1. Ricky Ponting leading Mumbai Indians: Before the IPL auction, no would have thought this in wildest of their dreams. Ricky Ponting leading a side which has Sachin Tendulkar and Harbhajan Singh. The MonkeyGate might have been burried with Andrew Symonds inclusion in MI side for previous IPLs but the grudge against Ponting is much more than that. From 2003 world cup Final slaying of Indian bowling to 'Claiming of grounded catches' in Sydney, Ricky Ponting has always been there and it will be interesting to see how Mumbai crowd and the team react to the gamble taken by the Ambanis.
2. The curious case of Virender Sehwag: Viru is one of the most audacious batsmen that the game has witnessed but he is equally nonchalant and carefree. Having being dropped from both, the ODI and the test team, this edition of IPL could be the make or break for Viru as it is hard to imagine Viru having the patience and the willingness to play the whole Indian domestic season with commitment and interest and then fight his way back into the Indian team. I think even might be betting on the IPL for his return to the Indian colours. Specs or no specs, Viru has to perform this time round.
3. The Politics: The Indian politics has no boundaries and logics. It is kind of universal and its usually the non culprit or lets the non involved party that pays the price. The exclusion of Sri Lankan cricketers from Chennai matches and the new demands of Mahastra to provide fund for the drought because the pitches and ground maitainenace uses water vidicates the point that sports is one of the favorite scapegoats of Indian Politics. These are certainly going to play a major role in influencing the results of certain IPL matches.
4. New team(s) should make it to the knock outs: For the sake of competition and for the sake of geniune cricket fans, this IPL should not be about CSK, RCB, MI and DD. Some other team, maybe a PWI or Sunrisers Hyderabad should compete for the honors in the end.
5. Unearthing of a new cricket talent: IPL has always unearthed a hidden talent time and again. Be it a Shaun Marsh or a Shane Watson, the platform works in its cpacity to bring the fringe players into the fray. Lets see if this year we find someone....maybe...Unmukt Chand...
Your comments and views are welcome......
1. Ricky Ponting leading Mumbai Indians: Before the IPL auction, no would have thought this in wildest of their dreams. Ricky Ponting leading a side which has Sachin Tendulkar and Harbhajan Singh. The MonkeyGate might have been burried with Andrew Symonds inclusion in MI side for previous IPLs but the grudge against Ponting is much more than that. From 2003 world cup Final slaying of Indian bowling to 'Claiming of grounded catches' in Sydney, Ricky Ponting has always been there and it will be interesting to see how Mumbai crowd and the team react to the gamble taken by the Ambanis.
2. The curious case of Virender Sehwag: Viru is one of the most audacious batsmen that the game has witnessed but he is equally nonchalant and carefree. Having being dropped from both, the ODI and the test team, this edition of IPL could be the make or break for Viru as it is hard to imagine Viru having the patience and the willingness to play the whole Indian domestic season with commitment and interest and then fight his way back into the Indian team. I think even might be betting on the IPL for his return to the Indian colours. Specs or no specs, Viru has to perform this time round.
3. The Politics: The Indian politics has no boundaries and logics. It is kind of universal and its usually the non culprit or lets the non involved party that pays the price. The exclusion of Sri Lankan cricketers from Chennai matches and the new demands of Mahastra to provide fund for the drought because the pitches and ground maitainenace uses water vidicates the point that sports is one of the favorite scapegoats of Indian Politics. These are certainly going to play a major role in influencing the results of certain IPL matches.
4. New team(s) should make it to the knock outs: For the sake of competition and for the sake of geniune cricket fans, this IPL should not be about CSK, RCB, MI and DD. Some other team, maybe a PWI or Sunrisers Hyderabad should compete for the honors in the end.
5. Unearthing of a new cricket talent: IPL has always unearthed a hidden talent time and again. Be it a Shaun Marsh or a Shane Watson, the platform works in its cpacity to bring the fringe players into the fray. Lets see if this year we find someone....maybe...Unmukt Chand...
Your comments and views are welcome......
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