IPL-10's bumper opening following a high-intensity Test season proves that there's not only enough scope for all three formats of the game to co-exist, but also that each version’s success and popularity rely on the other two
Fans cheer for Mumbai Indians during their IPL clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Mumbai yesterday. Pic/Suresh Karkera
Fans cheer for Mumbai Indians during their IPL clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Mumbai on Wednesday. Pic/Suresh Karkera
The first week of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has produced some close finishes and some performances to remember. It has also told us something about our misplaced beliefs, for most of us thought that the growing list of injured Indian players will adversely affect the viewership. That hasn't been the case. Most grounds have been packed to the last seat and the viewership numbers, we've been told, are excellent so far. On the contrary, the last season, in spite of every Indian star's availability, saw one of the poorest starts to a new IPL season.
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The last season of the IPL started on the heels of three months of non-stop T20 cricket, which included the World T20 and the Asia Cup. The first couple of weeks saw mostly lop-sided games and that made matters worse. This year, though, IPL has followed six months of high intensity Test cricket, and that has created the requisite appetite for the shortest format.
Close finishes are helping IPL
Close finishes in the first week itself have just helped its cause. Herein lies the message for the governing bodies of cricket — there's not just enough scope for all three formats to co-exist but also, each format's popularity is relying on the other two formats. All will thrive if consumed in moderation.
Let's get back to this year's IPL and have a look at different tactics from different teams, and figure out who's looking hot and who's not. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) has started the season from where they left last season with the exception of getting more formidable. Their bowling was always one of the best in the league, but with Shikhar Dhawan, Yuvraj Singh and Moises Henriques firing this season, they are the team to beat. Their qualification for the play-offs shouldn't be an issue.
RCB desperately wait for Kohli
While the winners have looked good, the runners-up Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have appeared a pale shadow of the unit they were last season. Injuries to Indian players might not have affected the TRPs but it has derailed RCB's campaign even before it had started. They are desperately waiting for Virat Kohli to return and change their fortunes, but it might be too little too late.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) changed their opening combination and with it, their approach to T20 cricket. It was Chris Lynn's catch in 2014 season that changed their fortunes and it felt like that his batting was going to the same this season but for the unfortunate injury. KKR is a unit with depth and therefore likely to find ways to stay relevant but his absence will be felt.
Russell's absence hurting KKR
Not to forget that Andre Russell isn't there and Shakib Al Hasan won't be available throughout. Gujarat Lions (GL) have fielded a team of openers and in doing so, seemed to have forgotten the value of playing five proper bowlers. Their record of taking only one wicket in the first two games should serve as a rude reminder to focus on their bowling for the following games. Dwayne Bravo and Ravindra Jadeja's return will give them hope and strength.
Mumbai Indians (MI) played with four bowlers in the first game and lost. They played with five proper bowlers in the second and won. While it's not as simple as it might sound, the writing is on the wall for them — play five proper bowlers in every single game. Most teams are forced to compromise on their batting depth to play the extra bowler, but MI is blessed to have three all-rounders in the Pandya brothers and Kieron Pollard. That should dictate a five-bowler strategy every time.
Gujarat, Delhi forget basics
Like GL forgot about their bowling, DD seem to have forgotten the value of a good batting group. In fact, GL's batting and DD's bowling would make the IPL winning side. The absence of JP Duminy and Quinton de Kock is putting too much pressure on their Indian recruits and while their bowling will still keep them in the hunt, their batting is likely to let them down more often. Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) has looked a decent side with roles clearly defined for most of its players. Glenn Maxwell has also taken to captaincy like fish to water. They are expected to have better returns than the last season.
Rising Pune Supergiant made some big moves before the season by spending R14.5 crore on Ben Stokes and appointing Steven Smith as their captain. Spending a huge amount to procure only one resource is a tactic laden with risk and its affects are already showing. Their bowling is so thin that no amount of shuffling is likely to address their woes. It won't be surprising if they, once again, finish close to the bottom.
The writer is a former India Test opener
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