The month of April ’09 brought along the initial summer heats, election fever and the desirably awaited event of the Indian cricket circuit, The Indian Premier League-2. This event made its heat felt in the previous year and this year it promised all its spectators much more entertainment. But the organizers had a tough job at hand due to the terrorist attacks on the Sri Lankan players in Pakistan and the election in the country forced and the security reasons forced the organizers to arrange the event out shore. The Indian fans were disappointed as their own event was shipped away from their soil, but their spirits were not shattered and they supported their teams with passion and enthusiasm. 37 days of entertainment saw the Indian fans enjoy every bit of cricket; the journey from 18th April to 24th April had just been astonishing (though there were election results as well).South Africa played a perfect host for this year’s IPL. Initially the weather did have plans to spoil the party but it seemed that even the Almighty was keen to have a little entertainment from the tournament.
This year’s IPL saw lots of changes in the team strategy such as Team Knight Riders and Royal Challengers replaced their captain; a new bollywood face Shilpa Shetty went on to take over the defending champions Rajasthan Royals. The Pakistan players were not part of the IPL and also the late arrival of the Australian players gave few teams a little hiccup on their performance. The brand endorsement and the media advertisements were at great peak and no stones were left unturned to make this event a success.
The event took off with the oldies performing to their potential and making a statement that they too can be a part this format. The teams fought their way to dominate the league and make themselves secure for the top four spots. While Rajasthan Royals were playing to defend their title, last year’s bottom team Deccan Chargers was playing to gain their respect. This year’s IPL saw a close battle for the semifinal spot and the surprise element of the event was Royal Challengers who came back under the captaincy of Anil Kumble (Jumbo) to take the semifinal berth and also make it to the finals of the event though eventually facing a defeat to the Deccan Chargers.
Once again an Australian captain Adam Gilchrist taking command of Deccan Chargers accomplishment the mission IPL’09 for his team, (last year it was Shane Warne for Rajasthan Royals, hopefully next is Hayden’s turn). The old guns have fired again and have set records, (Hayden- the highest run getter and Gilchrist – fastest 50 runs). No matter how the teams may have performed this year but IPL did get a global recognition and next year this event is promises to be even better and entraining.
Well, 5th June brings us the T20 world cup, so watch out for the Indian Squad which will come on the field to defend its tiltle……… See u all in England.
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