IPL T20 - II

The long awaited moment is here. IPL 2, with all its colors and drama is ready once again to take the world of cricket by storm. It has got the glitter, the stars, the controversies and most importantly the fascination of all the people across India. The IPL tournament gives another chance for all of us to see our favourite players (both retired and playing) in action fighting it out in the middle. T20 has always been a trilling experience, with matches that change course in a matter of 1/2 overs, the big sixes, the great catches and being draw to the wire almost all the time. This year it is all set to be bigger, better and more electrifying.

Whats new(s)?

Last year the costliest player was Dhoni. Now this crown is held by two new big guns Kevin Peiterson and Andrew Flintoff. Both of them great hitters, just what the game needs.

One recent trend noticed was that most Indian captains are being replaced by foreign players. Dravid, Ganguly and Laxman are the once that have been replaced. The obvious reason cited for Dravid and Laxman would be the lack of skill. But, Ganguly had no such problems. He just has a knack of getting into trouble with Australian coaches. 

Obviously the new venue South Africa.

Move to South Africa.
The IPL Management has taken a bold step in organizing the tournament outside India. It was something none of the Indian cricket fans had anticipated. With security of cricket players being a top priority, this move has not been highly criticized. It has been a forced move. Since elections are being held in India and the window of time where most cricketing teams are free is less, this move sure helped the cause of cricket. But it is not all good. The first question that comes to mind is that how can delhi and chennai fight it out in a alien place. The very essence of having home matches in IPL is lost. Yes there will be considerable people in the stands in South Africa but it will not be the same. A Chennai match should be played in front of the chennai crowd not in front of a generic indian crowd and lot of foreigners. Also it has been bad for the organizers and the franchises themselves. With lesser crowd the amount of money also goes down. Yes, the no of people watching it on television will not change, but even the crowds amount for some money.

Whats in store?
You already know what to expect, don't you? Bigger sixes, higher scores, newer strategies and hopefully a new winner.

Watch out for the Sehwag-Gambhir pair of Delhi Daredevils, McCullum of Kolkata Knight Riders, Kevin Peiterson and Andrew Flintoff.

Don't miss the action!