S10M01
The Season 10 of the most popular
Indian Soap Opera is here.
The Indian Premier League –
Cricket’s biggest entertainment-cum-sports extravaganza provides a platform for not
just the Indian actors but quite a few stars from across the World to showcase
their talent.
A few hours away from Match 1
between the defending champions Sun Risers Hyderabad (SRH) and the last year runner
up Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), and the excitement is palpable.
There has been lot of talk in the
media about is IPL losing its sheen? Are the injuries to Indian national
players, including the captain Virat Kohli robbing the tournament of its interest?
The answer to both is a firm NO.
The world’s most popular and most
followed Twenty20 tournament has always been one that threw up many surprises.
It’s not all about the established international names, but some unknown /ones
who stand up to be counted and shine bright. Among a few names that immediately
come to mind are Paul Valthaty, Sanju Samson and Pravin Tambe. There have many
more… Yes, they may have not gone on to don the national colours or
consistently make headlines, but they ensured that the surprise element is
sustained.
While Test cricket continues to
be the prima donna and the connoisseur’s delight, the shortest form of the game
is quite a hit across the world and in an era that is governed by smart phones
and news in 140 characters – T20 is surely the answer to keep the interest in
the game going.
While there are no pre-tournament
favourites yet, unlike the Chennai Super Kings of yore who always started as one,
the eternal bridesmaid RCB is a strong contender for its maiden title. Don’t
write off the twin two-time champions Kolkota Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians
to make it three, nor the mercurial Kings XI or the unpredictable Delhi
Daredevils to open their account. The outgoing teams of the year Rising Pune giants and last year’s
table toppers Gujarat Lions too have it in them to create equal opportunities.
As I key in these words, 2 hours
away from the inaugural ceremony before the match, my daughter and nephew are
ready and waiting for me to take them to Uppal, where I will cheer for my home
team SRH. I firmly believe the David Warner side is well balanced to retain the
title.
Yes, I am predicting a SunRisers
encore!
Bring the Game On !!!
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