IPL 2 - African Safari !...

India has one religion - Cricket!
It’s a different matter that the purists like me, worship for 5 days, some for a day and many for few hours. Test cricket is an art and has its own grace and charm. Nothing can be more blissful and ecstatic than to watch our demi-Gods appear in spotless white flannels, with their body moving away from the red cherry and the interplay between the batsmen and the bowlers that draws out a contest and separates the men from the boys.

There are times, when the eyes glaze over and the mind goes numb. Something along these lines usually happens, when you watch T20 - where art becomes an adventure, a game of patience turns into a hysterical cacophony that presents in abundance youthful impatience, exuberance and innovation. Perhaps this is what modern art is all about?

IPL testifies that Success is almost a question of being in the right place with the right product with the right name at the right time. Indeed, the sports business is a buyer's market in which broadcasters and sponsors not only define and dictate price but also change the game to suit their needs. Well, sports have no choice but to accept.

While IPL in South Africa promises to become International Premier League, attract Indian Diaspora and perhaps attract foreign owners, it remains to be seen how many eye balls it will receive as it clashes with general election.

It is difficult to predict the winner but let’s take a quick look at the contenders.

Rajasthan Royals – The Three ‘S’ – beautiful Shilpa, legendary Shane Warne and the swashbuckling Shane Watson are the ones who are to be watched. Unfortunately Sohail Tanveer will be missed. All rounder Morne Morkel, Prolific batsmen Graham Smith, the energetic Asnodkar and Yusuf Pathan - the only T20 specialist promise to take the team into semis.

Chennai Super Kings – Despite his Indian morning squat, M.S.Dhoni did an excellent job behind the wickets in the windy conditions in New-Zealand. Normally wicket keepers sit on their toes. But Dhoni must take care of his fitness and it is possible if he asks Parthiv to keep wickets. The magician Murli, the gentle and fast Ntini, the hard hitter Hayden and Raina around, this team will move up and if they fail Dhoni and Flintoff can single handedly change the course of match. The Australian batting sensation Hussey will be terribly missed.

Delhi Dare Devils – McGrath doesn’t look in his prime and again its upto Sehwag and Gambhir to shoulder the responsibilities. At a time when left arm orthodox spin is dying, it is heartening to see the Kiwi skipper Vettori playing T20. Hopefully he will spin many aces. De-Villiers and Collingwood will certainly make a huge difference.

Kings X1 Punjab – Preity with her enthusiasm and jadoo –ki- jhappi promises to keep the team motivated. Like any south paw, Shaun Marsh batting is stylish and not to be missed. He has to his company the dynamic Sanghakarra, the graceful Jaywardana, the Australians Katich, Pomersbach and Bret Lee and our dashing Yuvraj who make this team formidable. Let’s hope Sreeshant makes the ball dance and stays calm.

Kolkata Knight Riders – Coach Buchannan may play games with Ganguly and install multiple captains but the real skipper is none other than King Khan. Brendon McCullum, Ishaan, Ponting and Agarkar are promising but the aspect of team work seems to be missing. Let’s hope we see good performance from Murtaza Hussain, Cheteswar Pujara and hope Vinit Indulkar gets a chance.

Deccan Chargers – Gilchrist and Laxman are a study in contrast. One uses his power while the other flicks his wrist. Gibbs and Chaminda Vaas are equally great. I am keen to see the talented Rohit Sharma perform but looking at his scores against the Kiwis, its time some one kicks his back side. Perhaps it would be nice if he reminisces into his past, when he boarded the local train from Borivali to Churchgate!

Bangalore Royals – Many Indian youngsters would struggle on fast paced proteas wickets but not Dravid and Kumble can still weave magic. Jacque Kallis is in twilight of his career. Kevin Pietersen, Dale Steyn, Boucher, Ross Taylor and Jesse Ryder have bolstered this team.

Mumbai Indians – Now it is difficult to beat a team whose management believes in the old adage: “penny wise, pound foolish”. There are chances that this team will induct local players from Mumbai. Shaun Pollock (Polly Kaka), the in-form Dumminy who must open with Jayasuria, Dwayne Bravo, Harbhajan, Abhishekh Nayyar and Zaheer; it will be difficult to shackle this side. But cricket is a game of glorious uncertainty. So long as this side is led by the master batsmen, the incomparable, Great Sachin, there are chances that this team promises to reach the final. Moreover I am an Indian and then a Mumbaikar and therefore will root for this team.

Having said that, my patriotism compels me to watch the election results and from June 5, devoutly watch Dhoni’s boy defend the second T-20 world cup in England. One thing is certain, that 59 matches of IPL-2 will satiate the fans and significantly reveal some specialist T20 players who would make their debut in the second ICC T20 world cup.

If the pitches and weather is conducive, then IPL Carnival certainly promises Chaos, Crowd, Celebrities, Cheer girls with all their Curves, Contours and Cleavage, and yes Cricket. Peter Roebuck is correct when he says, “Cricket survives not because it has merit but because it has a market.” And with all these paraphernalia on offer, wouldn’t IPL-2 expand this market?
Until then, enjoy this African Safari!...