Unboxing IPL 2018

A Complete Sneak peek into the IPL Drama!

Weddings have always been a grand and pompous affair in India. But on the summer of 2008, the stage was set for the most sought after union that the Indians or the world for that matter had ever seen. The big fat wedding of Cricket and Bollywood. After all India’s crush with cricket and Bollywood was an open affair.

This led to the birth of IPL, which elegantly combined the gentleman’s game with the vibrance and charisma of Bollywood. From the cheerleaders to the post match parties, it has swell up the attention beyond 22 yards.

While there are thousands of reasons to watch IPL every year, we will look at some of the unique selling points that will make this particular season of IPL, a must watch.

The return of Two Power Houses

This season sees the return of former champions, Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals back from suspension, two of the most followed teams of IPL.

While CSK is famous for their power hitters and superstars, the Rajasthan Royals have been known for unearthing the hidden talents.

Most importantly, it also sees the return of ‘whistle podu’ fans. When it comes to passion and enthusiasm they’re in a league of their own. Their former captain MS Dhoni is once again leading the lines of CSK. Hmm that’s not a surprise is it, given how much he is adored among the jam packed Chepauk crowd in Chennai.

Introduction of DRS

Decisions have always been a matter of controversy in the cricketing world.

Due to increasing errors in the judgement of umpires, Decision Review System or DRS in short was the need of the hour. The IPL governing council has decided to introduce DRS in this season. The DRS helps the team to challenge umpiring decisions and put the conspiracy theories on match fixing to rest.

Popularly known as the ‘Dhoni Review System’ among the Indian fans , the former Indian captain is known for his quick wits and uncanny successful use of the review system.

Well well , brace yourselves for more Dhoni Review System memes this IPL season !

Rise of New Stars

IPL has proved to be a platform for a lot of cricket aspirants who wish to break into the highly competitive national team and an opportunity to play alongside their idols. Apart from that they get to share dressing rooms together !, quite an exciting prospect for an emerging player.

Hidden gems like Pravin Tambe who got his first break at 44, to Prithvi Shaw the young under 19 captain, IPL has managed to put the deserving players on the spotlight helping them to launch themselves.

How can we forget our very own Sanju Samson, who if not for IPL would’ve remained in the shadows.

Importance of Entertainers

Slogging has been an important aspect in limited over cricket.

Entertainers as they are fondly called have been an integral aspect of this format. Among them the carribeans proficient in slogging any bowler with ease have been the most popular figureheads of this title.

Andre Russel with a huge one there !

From Andre Russell and Kieron Pollard, famous for their mighty 90m sixes to the universal boss Chris Gayle who already has over 850 sixes under his belt, they do not lack in providing wholesome entertainment.

Chris Gayle celebrating the win by doing push ups on the pitch.

Bravo shows off his dance moves after taking a wicket.

Apart from being competent with the willow and the ball, their dance numbers and witty mannerisms has drawn much attention and garnered wide audience view.

From Switch Hitting to the Helicopter Shot

Today’s fast forward platform doesn’t allow players to stick to textbook shots.The massive run chases at skyscraper like run-rates urge the batsmen to move out of their shells and try something innovative.

So over time, several unconventional shots became the norm.

It all started with Douglas Marillier

Marillier came up with the first of the kind known as the Marillier’s shot. The batsman angles the bat in a manner which makes the ball fly over the shoulders. It became so popular that the state of the bowlers was termed to be “Marilliered”. An improvised version of this shot is commonly known under the name ‘ DilScoop ’.

To meet the fast paced demands of the game in IPL, several such shots were conceived. Here we take a glimpse at some of the popular ones,

Palti Hit or Switch-Hit

Pietersen with the switch hit.

While it may look similar to the reverse sweep, in this shot the batsman purposely plays the ball in the air by switching from his usual stance.

The change in stance takes the bowler by surprise.

DilScoop

The DilScoop as played by Dilshan

The Dilscoop also known as a ‘ramp shot’ was perfected by Dilshan. The basis of the stroke is to ‘scoop’ the ball over the wicket-keeper’s head.

Who would even think of putting up a fielder over there !

Helicopter Shot

Dhoni sending the ball via the helicopter !

The trademark stroke of MS Dhoni. The shot helps counter yorkers, traditionally considered the safest deliveries during the death overs.

Dream Combinations

AB Devilliers (to the left) and Virat Kohli (to the right). Duh !

Be it the veteran combination of Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting or in recent times AB De Villiers and Virat Kohli, IPL has left no stone unturned in making it happen. Watching the legends of the game on two ends of the pitch is quite “orgasmic” and an unmatched experience.

Drama, Drama and well… more Drama!

Lastly, IPL is in a league of its own when it comes to nail biting finishes which go over and beyond the final ball.

During the climax, we could see the captain setting up his field and dictating the tactical plan to his bowlers while the batsmen discuss among themselves on how to go about their strokes.

Typical scenario in the closing stages.

On one end we’ve the batsmen looking forward to launch everything that comes in their way out of the park and on the other, bowlers trying out their variations to restrict the batsmen from playing a shot and getting out too!

This duel, keeps the viewers on the edge of their seats.

Over the years we have come across to witness many Super Overs since the match could not be decided by the final ball. Such moments capture us into the depths of the game. As a cricket fan we could not ask for more!

So make sure you tune in from today and don’t miss the action.

Special thanks to ViratianAJ and Navaneeth Pradeep for your contributions.