IPL 2009 had to be relocated to South Africa after security concerns forced Lalit Modi’s team to move base. Logistically, it was a great achievement, as organizing an event of such stature in a foreign land at such short notice is next to impossible. But the variables in the game suddenly changed. With South Africa hosting the second season of the BCCI’s cash cow, franchisees with South African players suddenly had the advantage. Suddenly, Dhoni’s CSK didn’t look unbeatable due to lack of South African players.
On Indian pitches, the likesof Raina, Badrinath, Vidyut, Parthiv & Dhoni himself would have beenunbeatable. But now, they were no more frontrunners. Instead, Bangalore RoyalChallengers, who were placed 7th in 2008, suddenly seemed all-conquering with a line-up which included Jacques Kallis, Dale Steyn, vander Merwe & Mark Boucher. These “home heroes” propelled their team to the finals under Kumble’s competent leadership. Here, I would like to review thehits, misses and other happenings of the IPL season gone by.
PLAYERS WHO IMPRESSED
Manish Pandey, the teenager who represented RCB, came good and smashed the first ton in the IPL by an Indian. He is certainly one to watch out for in the future. With the likes of Dravid, Kumble & Kallis aroundhim, this young talent should mature into a fine batsman for India in the time to come.
RP Singh was dropped from the Indian squad to New Zealand and he arrived in South Africa with a point or two to prove. He knew the conditions well; after all he was part of the 2007 squad that won the world T20. Along with Fidel Edawrds, Deccan Chargers had a potent new ball attack and RP Singh went on to claim the Purple Cap. He was promptly recalled for the ill-fated World T20 squad.
The Mumbai Indians landed up placed 7th at theend of the season. However, one man terrorized the opposition almost every time he took the ball in his hand. Sri Lanka pacer Lasith Malinga did a great job to stem the flow of runs and claim important wickets. He proved too hot to handle for most batsmen with his slinging action.
Other players who impressed: Rohit Sharma (DC)Yusuf Abdullah (KXI)Matthew Hayden (CSK)Brad Hodge (KKR)JP Duminy (MI) J Kallis (RCB)D Nannes (DD) T Dilshan (DD) A Nehra (DD) I Pathan (KXI)
PLAYERS NOT UPTO THEMARK
These players turned out to be expensive duds for theirrespective franchisees as they could not do the job as and when required in the2009 IPL season: Kevin Pietersen – RCB’s 1.55 million dollars gone wrong.
Andrew Flintoff – CSK’s 1.55 million dollars gone wrong.
Sanath Jayasuriya – failed to recreate the magic of 2008.
Sourav Ganguly – Only one knock that was good.
Chris Gayle - Disappointed during his short stay at KKR.
MS Dhoni – Nudged the ball around; couldn’t take CSK to the finals.
Robin Uthappa- Ruined his chances of an India recall with dismal performances.
Ishant Sharma- lacked control & discipline.
Virat Kohli- Doesn’t look groomed enough to play big innings.
Swapnil Asnodkar- Struggled in alien conditions.
The biggest disaster of IPL 2009, however, was the KKR team.Hugely hyped due to megastar Shah Rukh being the co-owner, they struggled tocome good under Brendon McCullum’s uninspiring captaincy. Coach John Buchanan has already lost his job atKolkatta Knight Riders, his multi-captain theory blowing up in his face.
SUCCESS OR FAILURE?
IPL II was definitelya success in all aspects. South African crowds lapped up the inter-city battleswith glee and wanted the IPL to return in 2010. But Indian spectators can heavea sigh of relief. IPL III will be conducted on Indian soil in March next year.
Lalit Modi’s men did an outstanding job to keep the crowdentertained. There was a contest for pretty young things, with one of themgetting to act in a Bollywood flick. The IPL also donated nearly a million dollars for children’s education through its HEAT (Help Educate & Teach)Program.
The tournament also uncovered and rediscovered a few gems:Manish Pandey, T Suman, Jakati etc. to name but a few. Hope Indian cricket as a whole prospers in the future. Isn’t that supposed to be the whole point? But since the EPL began in soccer, England hasn’t done well in the Soccer World Cups. Hopefully, India will win the T20 WC in 2010 as well as the World Cup in 2011.
PS: I’m wondering what these people will do in 2014, withelections again. Will the IPL move out of the country once every five years?
Do RRC the review & add your inputs. Thank You.