February 4 is D-day for the Indian Premier League — cricketers, owners and fans.
The auction sets the stage for what promises to be an absorbing season. The developments during the first trading window have already given us a glimpse of the game plan for the forthcoming season. Local fans are now awaiting the list with anxiety and have their own expectations.
“Currently, Royal Challengers Bangalore lacks money, so I hope they make the best use of it,” says Kartik Raja, an entrepreneur. It is best to retain respective players. Yash Bathija, a student says, “It gets confusing for fans if players are sent to new teams every year. It also ensures that the players’ remain loyal.”
The KTK team is scrapped by the BCCI, hence players are up for sale. If they do not get sold, BCCI will compensate them. S Sreesanth, Ravindra Jadeja, Mahela Jayawardene and Brendon McCullum are hot favourites from the Kochi team.
“McCullum is an exclusive player and it will be great to see him in RCB. An opening by McCullum and Gayle will be a legendary combination. Ravindra Jadeja should go to Pune Warriors as they have many batsmen but fewer bowlers. He would do well in Chennai Super Kings also as they need all-rounders,” says Kartik.
But Saayan Sinha, a student disagrees. He says, “Jadeja should go to Kolkata Knight Riders even though KKR seems like a stronger team in comparison to Rajasthan Royals.” Many feel that Jadeja would be best in RR.
Yash says, “If Jadeja does not go back to Rajasthan, I would like to see him in Deccan Chargers.” But many fans want to see Jadeja in Delhi Daredevils too. Udit adds, “Jadeja has the knack of adapting to small grounds and has a sleek bowling style.”
Where does Kerala boy Sreesanth fit in? Many want this young talent in Bengaluru. “Sreesanth will be a good addition to RCB as he will be ideal to start matches,” says Udit.
Sri Lankan player Mahela Jayawardene will also be in high demand. Yash says, “He should go to RCB.”
England spinner Graeme Swann is in the race for the first time. “Graeme Swann might be taken by Delhi as they have a tendency of picking the English players,” says Yash. But Udit feels that he would be a good pick for DC too. “But, there is no point having only foreigners, as it is the Indian Premier League.”
Another highlight is Azhar Mahmood, a Pakistan player who is entering the IPL as an England citizen as Pakistan players are banned. Yash says, “Azhar Mahmood will find it difficult to find a spot despite being an all rounder. He might experience what players like Brian Lara experienced last year. Many went without being auctioned.”
Some believe that he has a different agenda. Kartik says, “Azhar proves that the Pakistani team is money-minded.”
