Its time!!! Indian Premiere League instigates….

This weekend the third season of the Indian premier league kicked off in dazzling style at the Dr. DY Patil sports Academy, Navi Mumbai; where the defending champions Deccan Chargers take on the ghastly Kolkata Knight Riders. After a forgettable, lack-luster performance last year; Ganguly’s men along with the man himself will be desperate to make an impression in the third edition of Indian Premier League.

The inaugural edition of the Indian Premier League was won by the ‘Rajasthan royals’ under the leadership of the great Leggie Shane Warne. Tagged underdogs; Shane Warne lead the team to glory with his unimpeachable leadership skills transforming a group of wanna-be’s into a clan of champions. The second edition of the Indian Premier League saw a similar state of affairs where the Deccan’s boys saw a leader in the charismatic, awe-inspiring, swash-buckler Adam Gilchrist. Who can forget the astonishing 35 ball 85 in the semi finals where he demolished the tournament favorites ‘Delhi Daredevils’ almost single handedly? With the contracts to be renewed or even re-negotiated for next season; the third edition of the IPL may be another nerve wrecking entertainer. This season also brings the end of era feel to the cricket supporters as their teams might be jumbled for the next season or there is a high probability that their cricketing heroes can hang up their boots for good. Will the likes of Shane Warne, Adam Gilchrist, Anil Kumble, and Sourav Ganguly return for another season? Will this season be the last of such cricketing greats is a question to be answered.

Indian Premier League has been a revolution in Indian cricket for many reasons. One reason that stands out is the ample opportunity it provides to the much deserving youngsters, home and abroad. With the 20-20 world cup just weeks away, the IPL provides the much needed opportunity for the likes of Chateshwar Pujara, Ambati Rayadu  and Abhimanyu Mithun to knock at the door of the national selection committee.

Before the third season kicked off, Lalit Modi bragged that the IPL will be bigger than the NFL, the NBA and the English Premier League. Irrespective of the statements by Mr. Modi; the beauty of the Indian premier League is its Unpredictability and let’s hope it will live to its reputation.