There has been a lot going on in the world of Cricket in the past few months! Starting from the mega IPL auctions that was held in February 12 & 13th, 2022 where almost 600 crores INR was spent for all the ten franchises to fill up their team & form their squads. Pretty interesting times as far as IPL 2022 goes.
But before I get into discussing about the IPL action, there was lot of intriguing action happening across the world of cricket that I wanted to highlight. There was the three match Test series in West Indies where Englands plight as a Test match team continued to increase. After getting drubbed 0-4 in the Ashes, there was lot of talk about them ‘resetting’ their red ball game.
Times up for Joe Root to get sacked as the skipper of this English Test team
Well, dropping some batsmen who clearly don’t belong to international standards as yet, and leaving out James Anderson & Stuart Broad from your squad surely doesnt qualify for a ‘reset.
The only bright spots for England in the series that a cricket analyst & fan in me was happy to see how England managed to notch up scores close to 400 as a batting unit. Theres something to look ahead to when their home summer kicks on in June.
Windies were top notch in fighting above their weight. They had a relatively young, inexperienced team & yet under the leadership of someone who completely goes under the radar in Kraigg Brathwaite, they managed to defeat England at home a second consecutive time, Earlier it was 2-1 in 2018/2019 and now in 2022 the series score line reads 1-0 in their favor! Promising signs & one hopes the Windies team can pose a strong challenge in the longest form of the game more often in the future.
Another landmark series thats probably the most heartening sights to watch was the recently concluded Benaud-Qadir trophy in Pakistan. Its amazing to see a big nation like Australia come to Pakistan shores & send a message to the other countries in the world that yes we can play Cricket again in Pakistan!
England & NZ backed out owing to security concerns, so this tour will only boost the chances of people getting an opportunity to see more action from Pakistans famous, iconic stadiums.
Keeping aside the security concerns aside & analyzing only the Cricket we all got to watch; it was a riveting Test series. Of-course theres an argument that pitches could have been better as they were too flat.
I am certainly looking forward to seeing how this Aussie side fares against India in their home conditions where they have hardly been tested in the past 4-5 years. Can Australia challenge India? We would need to wait & watch for that!
And finally moving on to the talk of the town; IPL 2022! To be very honest I am sensing an exhaustion of IPL cricket. As we just had a season completed in October, 2021 and now again to see the same teams go about isnt that exciting.
To get familiar with how each franchise has shaped post the mega auction is another big challenge for the IPL when it comes to retaining a loyal fanbase for each team. Personally, I hope there is no more mega auctions & we can slowly get used to the 10 teams & the players who are a part of them.
To help me do a fun & candid weekly wrap up of the IPL 2022 action thats happened so far is my mate Mayur Shivakumar who is a Toastmasters veteran & someone who watches the game a lot & is enthusiastic about sharing his views about the game & specifically IPL 2022.
The season of new, fresh & energetic leaders in IPL 2022
Here’s presenting a fun Q& A segment where I get Mayurs take on a variety of topics related to IPL 2022! Hoping that you all would like this interesting style of collaboration as the IPL action moves on.
1. Before we get into dissecting the IPL so far, your thoughts on the successful resumption of Cricket in Pakistan as a fan/viewer? With Australia’s tour going with no major glitches.
The test series was good. Nail biter on the third day evening was exciting after 2 drawn matches. Pakistan is a country of wronged people who have very little to cheer for. This Test series must have been a good relief for them.
2. Have you got used to the how each team looks like? As in familiarity factor with each franchise is a factor in people taking to this edition of the IPL.
Many players have switched and it is taking time. The 2 new teams do look exciting.
3. Considering IPL 2021, are you satisfied as a viewer with the IPL being played only in four venues across Maharashtra?
If its possible to do it in3 grounds and still make it successful why not in 4 grounds or venues?
4. Getting to the big announcement ahead of IPL 2022; MSD stepping down as captain of CSK. Please elaborate on MSD-CSK bond and how much of a challenge its going to be for Ravindra Jadeja to step into MSDs shoes.
It had to happen someday. The transition will take time. Hopefully sooner.
5. Your take on the two new franchises; Gujarat Titans & Lucknow Super Giants. Some favorite players you are looking out from each team.
LSG’s opening pair of KL Rahul and Quin ton DeKock looks great. GT have a lethal bowling attack with Mohammed Shami and Rashid.Khan Will be exciting to see as the tournament progresses.
Lets end this candid Q& A with a quick rapid fire!!
1. 5 Indian players who has impressed you the most so far across franchises?
Too early to say
2. 5 overseas players who have been really worth the pay-check so far?
Too early to say
3. Top three teams in terms of team-balance in your opinion.
Delhi, Lucknow, Punjab
4. The top three teams with the best jerseys in IPL 2022.
Delhi, Gujrat, Bangalore
5. Its a bit early but from what you have witnessed so far, do you see a new champion this season?
Too early to say
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