- True cricket connoisseurs of the classical variety must be squirming with annoyance and inexplicable discomfort seeing the way the 17th edition of the Indian Premier League has kicked off. The shortest version of the game has not only conquered the wild imagination of the adoring crowds thronging the stadiums in great numbers but also is expanding the horizon in reaching out to an ever-expanding fan base around the world. Not for nothing the IPL is credited to be one of the richest and most popular leagues in the entire sporting world. Of course, none of the top-bracket cricketers would wish to miss an opportunity to showcase their talents and skillsets in front of a raucous crowd. Yes, the lucrative league is the most sought-after by the cricketers.
PC: The Financial Express
- The much-sought-after IPL is patronized by all the major cricket boards since the cricketers are quite clear about participating in the cash-rich tournament spread over a few weeks. Some of the amount being splurged on renowned international cricketers is mind-blowing, to say the least. We know how the Kolkata Knight Riders bought Aussie speedster Mitchell Starc and the Sunrisers Hyderabad purchased Aussie Captain and speedster Pat Cummins, respectively. Both cricketers are acclaimed players having showcased their unquestionable skills around the world with panache. As you are aware, the latest edition of the IPL started with a bang igniting the unquenchable thirst of the fans with some mesmerizing performances so early in the tournament.
- Needless to mention, the very nature of the shortest version of the game is designed to favor the batters. And the batters are already living up to expectations with an unbelievable display of power hitting. For the uninitiated, I’m sure it will be in the minority, the field restrictions, shorter boundaries, and the mindset of the batters to attack right from the first delivery makes the job of a bowler extremely tough. Rather than go for a wicket, most of the bowlers would be angling to restrict the free flow of runs. Yes, there will be exceptions like Jasprit Bumrah, Mustafzur Rehman, and Rashid Khan, just to name a few, who would not mind attacking the batters to claim wicket rather than bowl in a restrictive manner. However, the batters rule the shortest version. We know.
PC: Reddit
- Looking at the recent initial match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians would have left the cricket pundits flummoxed by the sheer audacity of stroke-making from both sides. The Hyderabad franchise scored a mouth-dropping 277 for 3 in 20 overs, yes you read it right. In reply, the Mumbai franchise scored 246 for 5. An unbelievable 500-plus score in a mere 40 overs amply demonstrates how the bat dominated the ball with brute firepower. Gone are the days when 160-180 used to be treated as a par score. Even 200-plus scores are not insurmountable anymore since the batters are confident of overwhelming such targets with deliveries to spare. As such, the latest edition of the IPL has started with a batting bang and will continue in the same vein. Enjoy!
