Frustration Prevails over Fascination:It was a bit of disappointment for fans allover the world, who were expecting a dazzling display of inauguration and getting glued to the TV at 2 PM(IST), because of the regular interruption of rain.
But the matches started as per the time.First match was between Mr.Cool’s Chennai Super Kings and The little Master’s Mumbai Indians.Latter’s franchise owner Neetu Ambani, wife of Mr.Mukesh Ambani, and Mukesh Ambani were spotted among the audience.Shahrukh Khan joined them in the midst of the play and seems to have a cordial talk with the Reliance’s Chairman.
Tickets might have been sold out in just two hours, but the crowd which turned out for the occasion would definitely served as a disappointment for Modi.Formally, Modi invited South African fans for IPL-2 and tossed the coin.Mr.Lucky(Dhoni) won the toss and opted to field first expecting wickets in the first few overs due to the heavy moisture.
Adding to the frustation are the hosts from Star Sports Team including the vintage Mandira Bedi.It’s not that they are not best in their respective work, but there is not enough eye-candy in it to make the viewers assemble in front of their television screen well before the match starts.Last time it was chirpy Lekha Washington and sizzling Shonali Nagrani who suited aptly for the job.It was their screen presence which made even the insipid interviews fascinating.
As Shane Warne said before in an interview that he is definitely going to miss the frenzy he experienced in IPL-1.I personally felt that it won’t be of much concern as I’m going to watch it on TV as I did before.I was wrong.No cheering for the players whatsoever.It seems to me that they bought the tickets just to bask in the sunlight.No noise in the stadium even on seeing DLF maximum.Oh God...!!! It sounds really strange.
Cheerleading is definitely not up to the mark.Seems like they picked up some sophomores, gave them skimpy dresses and full freedom to do whatever thay want.No atheletic display.No coordination at all. But still pardoned for displaying their assets.MI Vs CSS: MI’s fans would have expected a cracker from opener Jayasuriya.But the conditions are not suitable and thus the experienced pair changed their game plan.Manpreet Gony has improved his pace and bounce.
Morkel and Ntini are rested as they played their last ODI match against Aussies the previous day.Flintoff bowled stingily till Madhavan Nair sent him over the ropes three times in a single over.Sachin’s innings was a classic display of his ability and experience.In the second innings Flintoff and Hayden started building a partnership after the loss of Parthiv patel and Suresh Raina promisingly, but demolished my Bhaji and Jayasuriya.
This tournament promises to be a balanced platform for both batsmen and bowlers, especially for Spinners.Malinga with his controversial hand movement is a perfect pair for Zaheer khan as opening bowlers.Dhoni came for the rescue but ended in vain as nobody stood in crease with him for longer time.Badrinath, a reliable player at cruch times, disappoints us as well as himself.Mumbai Indians opened their account with a classic win.RR Vs RC:A lot of support for Rajasthan Royals when they stepped in as they were the winners of IPL-1.Shane watson’s absence couldn’t be replaced by anyone in the team.Pieterson Won the toss and choose to hit the ball first. Mascarenhas got rid of the dangerous, in form Jesse Ryder.Wow....!
That was a Golden Wicket.He was on song when he sent Ross Taylor to the dressing room in the successive delivery.Uthappa got out with his senseless innings.RC’s new captain Pietersen gave a promising start with great strokes but ended so quickly as it started. The team desperately need someone who could save the game from crumbling to the lowest total.That magic was weaved by The Great Wall-Dravid.A classic 66 with few clean hits over the ropes and strike rate of around 130.He, once again, proved his critics wrong and that was displayed by himself when he pointed his bat to their dressing room when he got the half century.Second innings was a total diasaster.Smith carried on his out-of-form batting with just 2 out of 11.Praveen Kumar is a guy to watch out for in this IPL.
Anil Kumble picked up 5 for 5 which definitely should have amused him.Yusuf Pathan and Henderson’s partnership did nothing enough for the rescue.No "Halla Bol" for them for crumbling to the lowest total of IPL.RC’s this success would give them courage to recover from their last year’s abysmal.Inauguration at Wind-up:Inauguration ceremony started after the second match.Lalit Modi formally thanked everyone who supported for making this event happen.When he speak, it seems, he is proud to organise such a grand sport event in just 21 days and surprised everybody, especially the Football World Cup organizers, who have been organizing the event for years.
He made sure all the players were present during the short, sweet and crisp ceremony.Every Captain of the Eight Teams, signed on a board to cherish this historic event.Traditional South African music is a treat for ears.Lots of Athletic displays and eye-candy stuffs including Laser lights dancing for the tunes.Thus the Cricketainment Begins!!!