Denzil Fernandes

Oct 26: When the Indian Premier League (IPL) began on September 19, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) there were eight top cricket teams in the fray to lift the premier T20 cricket title in the world. Each and every franchise team had assembled a galaxy of players that read like the ‘who’s who’ of world cricket.

Every team bolstered by their prominent players started on an equal footing and in great style. Despite the corona pandemic, the arrangements made by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) were superb and every cricketer was treated like royalty in the UAE.

With such a beautiful setup, the performances of teams were top end and pleasing to the onlooker. Unfortunately, no spectators were able to watch the matches due to the pandemic restrictions. Alternatively, one was able to watch the exciting action from the comfort of their homes from every nook and corner of the world. There was no dearth of action or drama and most of the matches seem to be never-ending with the ‘super over’ adding to one’s thrill.

IPL holders Mumbai Indians (MI), runners up Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Delhi Capitals (DC), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Sun Risers Hyderabad (SRH) and Kings XI Punjab (KXI) were the cynosure of all eyes as the action unfolded. Known stars, upcoming stars and newborn stars were all jostling for attention and admiration to prove that every player was worth his value paid for by the team owners.

The IPL has now arrived at the concluding round with all the matches getting over on November 3. When the league phase ends, total 56 matches will be played in Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi before four teams qualify for the play-off matches that will be a screaming affair. As it stands, there are three clear teams who seem set while another three teams will fight it out for the lone fourth spot. Holders MI, hot contenders DC and permanent triers RCB have as good as sealed their places while Kings XI, KKR and SRH will do a dogfight for the fourth place.

One has to understand that these are all t20 matches where the luck of the game can swing like a pendulum. Take a classic example where lowly CSK outplayed a strong DC in one of the earlier matches. However, for all purposes, CSK has booked its return ticket and nothing can resurrect them or Rajasthan Royals from their exit.

The world’s richest T20 tournament enters the crucial ‘now or never’ stage when the four teams who qualify for the play off will fight for the glittering trophy and prize money. Despite the absence of their loyal backers in the stands due to the pandemic, the respective players have not hesitated to exhibit their best talent. So many young players especially from India have already caught the eye and will be most sought after when bidding commences for the next 14th edition in 2021. The franchises will surely retain those who starred for them this time without a doubt.

One team that will surely need an overhaul will be Dhoni’s CSK. Dhoni may continue as a player but his association with the Chennai team will never end. Players like Curran, Rayudu, Jadeja, du Plessis will be around for CSK while a whole lot of fresh faces are likely to line up for CSK. The same may be for other teams where the veterans may make way for young and promising performers.

The most exciting phase of IPL is now round the corner where the top four finishers on the chart will enter into a crazy scenario to remain unbeaten till the end. Nail-biting finishes and scary hitting will be the order of the day. Unseen acrobatic fielding and catching have been a special feature of this year’s IPL as well. Just as the winner lifts the trophy on November 10 (2020) at the Dubai Cricket Stadium there will be more winning stories to reveal.

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