- For a reason, the Indian Premier League (IPL) is considered one of the most successful, lucrative, and sought-after leagues in the whole sporting world. Huge applause should go to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for recognizing the value of the T20 format and introducing the IPL with such enterprising, innovative ideas when no one else thought of it. Since the introduction of the IPL, every edition has furthered its reach, popularity, and revenue, and attracted the best talent to showcase their skills in front of millions of adoring fans. Little wonder that every cricketer worth their salt would not let go of an opportunity to play in the league, even forgoing the option of representing their respective countries in other formats like 50-over and Tests.
PC: Ranji Trophy
- This edition of the IPL had all the usual twists, thrills, setbacks, heartbreaks, achievements, failures, and successes throughout the duration of the tournament. However, what was most gratifying for true connoisseurs and the administrators was to witness some of the most amazing talents and superlative performances dotting the entire spectrum of the league at different stages. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) successfully defended the title that they had won last year by performing consistently right till the finals. The other finalists, the Gujarat Titans (GT), showcased a worthy all-around performance on the back of consistent high-quality cricket fronted by none other than the captain, Shubhman Gill himself. But failed to cross the last hurdle.
PC: Telangana Today
- However, those who were closely following the IPL would have noticed how the finals turned out to be a damp squib when GT failed to set a formidable target for the defending champions, RCB. The target was overhauled without breaking a sweat by the RCB, winning the finals by 5 wickets. Of course, the indomitable and peerless Virat Kohli was in his elements, leading the batting charge in his inimitable style to chase down the target with such consummate ease. Rajat Patidar’s team has now successfully defended the trophy by displaying splendid cricket in all departments of the game. Batting charge was led by none other than Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, and Rajat Patidar, chipping in with consistent but useful performances to lead the team to victory.
PC: InsideSport
- As we know, bowlers win the game of cricket, the RCB’s successful title defence was led by none other than the old warhorse Bhuvaneshwar Kumar and ably supported by the Aussie Josh Hazelwood, and one of the domestic finds of the season, Rasikh Dar, and Krunal Pandya. Bhuvaneshwar Kumar was outstanding right through the tournament, barely missing the Purple Cap, which eventually went to Kagiso Rabada of the GT. With this win, the RCB has joined the ranks of the Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, respectively, in defending the title. While the BCCI and IPL governing council soak in the very successful organization of the league, the authorities will have to mull over how both the bat and the ball will have a contest going forward.
