- For die-hard cricket fans, the Indian Premier League T20 tournament offers unbridled entertainment that cannot be experienced anywhere else. The huge popularity of the cash-rich league is testimony to the fact that the present generation sees the shortest format of the game as nothing but entertainment. Of course, the entertainment quotient in the T20 format is in a perpetually evolving mode with scores over 200 becoming a norm rather than an exception. Hitherto unheard-of scores of over 250 too are being scored which prima facie may be entertaining to ordinary cricket fans. But the true connoisseurs are not happy witnessing how the bat is dominating the ball with such nonchalance.
PC: NDTVSports
- When there is a lack of competence or contest between the two competitive sides, the game is bound to appear unidimensional. The quality gets compromised affecting the overall outcome. There is an increasingly emerging view that the IPL has reached saturation levels vis-à-vis quality performances courtesy of allowing the bat to dominate the ball keeping the entertainment quotient in mind. Hopefully, the BCCI mandarins will address this issue. Notably, the impact substitute rule introduced since the last edition has further cemented the view that the batters are having an easy time against the bowling side. It is not rocket science to note that the sides have 12 batters rather than 11 batters, a disproportionate advantage to the batting side.
- Nonetheless, one of the most inspirational outcomes of the ongoing edition is the way the perennially underperforming Royal Challengers Bengaluru stormed into the playoffs. The stunning six-match winning spree propelled the Faf Du Plessis-led side to the playoffs. The last league match against the five-time champions Chennai Super Kings turned out to be a thriller elevating the Bengaluru franchise into the business end. Remember, the way RCB started its campaign was not only disastrous but also proved to be a familiar tale of an underachieving side staring at an early exit. However, the way the team bounced back fighting adversities makes for an inspirational tale worthy of emulation. This augurs well for the IPL per se.
PC: Times of India
- Of course, the talismanic Virat Kohli is in stupendous form scoring freely and at a good clip. The talks of Kohli’s strike rate have been well answered by the batsmen in this edition scoring at a brisk pace. Rajat Patidar has displayed phenomenal game presence, contributing immensely to the team’s cause. Cameroon Green is proving to be good with both bat and ball. Dinesh Karthik’s contribution by a few defining cameos has helped the side. The bowling is well served by Mohammad Siraj, Yash Dayal, and Karn Sharma ably supported by others. The moot point to ponder over here is whether the RCB will go the distance and lift the coveted trophy for the first time. If they continue to play similarly, the trophy may as well come to Bengaluru.
