IPL 13 (THE CORONA SEASON)

It is happening now the world’s best and biggest T20 cricket league is all set to start. Amidst the pandemic that has wreaked havoc in the world, the action is set to restart with eight teams battling out for the IPL title in the UAE. IPL fascinates many across the world because the drama it provides and the story it narrates summer after summer, season after season.I am little sad that we will miss all the circus this year at home but anyway we are not missing those nail-biting thrillers, unlimited fun which gives great hope for Indian fans to relieve their cricketing memories.

                                                                                      As the number of confirmed cases are increasing worldwide major sporting events have been cancelled or postponed. The most significant one that was the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and it is postponed to next year, Copa America 2020 has been postponed until 2021, 2020 Wimbledon Championships have been cancelled and there is a long list of such events. Thank you BCCI for some how managed to arrange IPL this year. Despite a lot of criticism on IPL about the quality of cricket and its effects on younger players but it still managed to be one of the grandest sport event in cricket history. 

Why this IPL means so much to the Indian fans. 

Back then, MSD’s young band with their unexpected performance at the inaugural World T20 Championship bagged the title in South Africa 2007. The whole world paid attention and got excited towards new shorter format then BCCI formally launched the IPL with lot of excitement and preparations came to heady climax at Chinnaswamy Stadium on April 2008, when Brandon McCullum’s turbo-charged unbeaten 158 remained in the heart of every cricket fan. As opening statements went, it was immaculately powerful. 

From Harbhajan Singh’s unseen slap that reduced S Sreeshanth to tears, to Shahrukh khan’s ban from Wankhede Stadium; from the ban of Rajasthan Royals players, to suspension of Chennai Super Kings for 2 years. Each season of the tournament threw up at least one flash-point along with number of magnificent performances. Not necessarily because of that alone, the IPL became the heart of Indian cricket. Every millennial in India grown up watching the IPL every summer and increasing their affection towards the sport. 

Cricket is not only a sport in India, but a religion, India lives with the overdose of cricket. These hard,tough six months would have nothing but a nightmare for Indian fans. Hence, this IPL season would give Indian fans the chance to relive their cricketing memories all over again as it’s unlikely cricket will happen soon in India with the pandemic spreading to the every village and corner of the country. IPL would unite Indian fans again to cheer for CSK,MI,RCB and root for their favourite men in yellow, blue, red, and purple. 

And over the years, it has provided us with countless memories. From brutal battering of the ball to unlikely magical bowling spells to inhuman catches, it is a parade worth watching. To get in the mood for some swashbuckling cricket: Mccullum blistering 158 in first match, Chris gayle mammoth 175 runs, Dream pair Sachin and Ponting opening the innings, Dravid Gaurd of honour from RR players, Mishra’s Hat-Trick of Hat-Tricks, Paul Valthaty and Glenn Maxwell brilliant batting seasons and many more. Hope this season also brings a lot of cherish able moments.

kurnool Koushik