Count-down to the 'spectacle' begins!



* Image from insidesport.co


The excitement is always sky-high before the start of the IPL. This time, as you can imagine, it will be even higher! In India, we are not used to the cricketers taking a break from cricket. We want to and are used to seeing them play for almost 365 days in a year. In the pre-IPL days, they used to get a break during summer generally and I used to hate it . Then, IPL arrived and took over that cricketing window across the world! This long break because of Coronavirus was unexpected (of course, not the ideal way to get a break) but the players would have loved it! They are fully geared up for the action now and that combined with the fans' anticipation makes this IPL the most awaited one so far, I think! Watch out for the viewership numbers. 

A team's performance is usually a factor of team management, core team strength, the preparation, strategy, skills, leadership etc. This year, there are a lot of unexpected factors weighing in that bring a mix of emotions and is playing it's part in building the suspense. 

The intriguing concept of a "bio-bubble" has everybody glued in. People are curious about how that bubble looks or feels. Players, match officials, staff, family are all caught in there. Nobody can break that bubble and once you enter, you cannot exit. Sounds like a trap!

The videos and pics of players stuck in their rooms were interesting too. We associate IPL with flamboyance - parties, socializing, ad shoots, fan meets etc. This time we see them working out in their balconies, trying to catch a glimpse of each other by peeping across. Interesting times we are in! Of course, most teams have started their outdoor training sessions now.

With all this, CSK staff and 2 players tested positive for Coronavirus too! We are not short of any action and the IPL hasn't even started.

Suresh Raina's exit added more mystery to the current circumstances. Speculations are rife, everyone has a story to tell. From hotel room , family matters to CSK owner releasing a statement. He is one cricketer who brings in a lot of energy...gives it his all and has done his job quietly. So much so that he retired quietly on the same day as Dhoni...under his shadow. No fuss whatsoever. Whatever has happened, my heart goes out to him. 

There is also news that Harbhajan is thinking if he should join the team or not. Interesting to think about the atmosphere in the CSK camp. They are known for their core team strength, their camaraderie and it has been evident in the way the play and have won. This is a testing time for them and will be good to see how they tackle it.

Generally the IPL schedule is stuck on our desks or is downloaded on our phones well in advance...it is such a weird time now that we do not even have the 2020 schedule yet! Another element that is adding to all the suspense..will CSK be able to play the opening match? 

IPL team fans meet, travel, enjoy with each other at this time..its like a festival in India. This will be sorely missed but I am sure every single fan is thankful and happy that at least the IPL will be played. 

A big goosebumps moment will be when I see the Sharjah stadium. Who can ever forget the 'desert - storm' innings by Sachin! 

I wonder about a few interesting things...

*Cartoon by Rahul Srinivasan (Insta handle : humour.inkorporated)

How will the players feel on match days? Hotel to ground and straight back into your bubble. Hmm..no parties, no outings, no fans...

What happens if a lot of players test positive in the middle of the tournament ? Can the schedule be dynamic?  

Will Dhoni be able to get the best out of the squad in such testing times? 

Is this RCB's year with changes in the management? 

How will the players feel without fans at the stadiums? How will the celebrations on-field change?

Will the players be able to play with the same intensity?

The answers to these can wait but I cannot wait for the action to start, to get into a routine of watching cricket daily for 50 days! Wow..I can already feel the excitement!! I hope and pray that everyone involved remains safe and that we will all able to enjoy good,competitive cricket. 

Jai Hind


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