We definitely need Lalit Modi back! At least the IPL does.
Just a couple of weeks ago, in the euphoria of the World Cup win, I was actually looking forward to the IPL. A lot of friends said it is overkill; an overdose of cricket. I somehow was actually not feeling that way and was looking forward to more cricket. The World Cup win probably making me want more.
A fortnight into the competition and I am not so sure anymore. With ten teams and a competition that runs for more than 1.5 months, this tournament is going to take some viewing. And the format is convoluted too. I just cannot understand it. With every team playing every other day, it is beginning to get a bit confusing. Forget about the matches, following the points table is getting to be difficult. Add to this the player changes this season. It took some time for me to figure out who is playing for which franchisee. And I am not sure, I still know of all the changes. A Gambhir playing for Kolkata, Yuvraj for Pune and Dravid for Rajasthan! Two new teams, Pune and Kochi, which by the way, has its own identity crisis to figure out, of being a team from Kerala or Gujarat! I am now really feeling 'cricket fatigued'.
So two new teams. What else is new? Cheer leaders...of a different kind! Fully clothed cheer leaders in traditional Indian costumes are doing duty for the Pune Warriors. I am not sure if that is going down well; with the crowds as well as the ladies themselves! Imagine dancing in the sun fully decked up! The SET MAX hosts have a couple of new inclusions as well, one of them actually trying to do a Mandira Bedi with noodle straps and a strategically placed 'Pallu'.
Notwithstanding all of this however, there have been a couple of great performances this season. Paul Valthaty...(who!?!?!) has emerged as the King for the Kings XI Punjab team. The knock he played against the Chennai Super Kings was tremendous. No wonder Greg Chappell has been talking of the Indian bench strength. Sachin's first T20 century was a knock to savour as well, especially because it showed that he is still learning and evolving. Yes, he played some helicopter shots aka Dhoni with equal effect!
Though I am not inclined to follow each and every match, my favourite teams this season are the Mumbai Indians and the Chennai Super Kings. At the start of the tournament, I expected them to play the finals. Currently, one of them is at the top of the points table and the other at the bottom. Now that I have shifted base to Mumbai, my loyalties have now shifted to the Mumbai Indians! Of course, having a strong team helps too! I am rooting for them to win this season. But there are still a whole load of matches to be played before we reach the finals...we will just have to endure them.
By the way, tomorrow me and the family go away to Kashmir for a week's vacation. Now, you know what to expect in the next post then!
Take care!
2 comments:
Now CSK is back in Top!!!
Which is great! Mumbai Indians are slipping though...not good at all. I think they peaked too early.
Cheers!
Suresh
Post a Comment