IPL Showcased Talent

The best thing about the Indian Premier League (IPL) is that it has thrown open to the world a new ground to see cricketing skills of countless players who otherwise would be languishing in oblivion perhaps all life, having been denied an opportunity to play on a truly international stage. Otherwise, how would a Manish Pandey or a Pragyan Ojha have rubbed shoulders with all-time greats like Adam Gilchrist or Andrew Symonds or Muttiah Muralitharan? And even as these thoughts were just crystalising in mind, time came for the final match between two unexpected rivals Royal Challengers Bangalore and the Deccan Chargers Hyderabad. Not only did the final encounter satisfy cricket fans tremendously with the quality of cricket, but also demonstrated amply how a good cricket match is played.

That was a Captain's match - Adam Gilchrist of Deccan, Anil Kumble of Royal. Both displayed extra ordinary leadership skills. Bother were great inspirers of their men. When Gilchrist came to bat, Anil Kumble took the ball in his hands for the opening over. The gamble paid off and Gilchrist was out for no score, giving an impression that the Deccan chargers will now lose the match. For, what followed was nearly a procession of Deccan batsmen to the pavilion. The total of just 143 did not look like a winning figure by any standard in a final match. It appreared that Leadership of Anil Kumble had won the day.

But ... then, don't we know that circket is a game of glorious uncertainties. And this time, this was made to look like an all time truth bec of the captainship of Adam Gilchrist. Not getting bogged down by his personal failure with the bat after a great tournament, Gilchrist did not lose the nerve, He inspired his men, made smart blwling changes, and ensured that his men kept the pressure on from the word 'Go' through to the end.

Gilchrist may not have made a score expected of him after a great tournament, he led from the front, like a man possessed. Minus Gilhrist, things would not have moved thus, the true charm of the IPL came from the South African locations. If it were to be played in India, perhaps such an international spectator turnout may not have been noticed. The showbiz part of the IPL apart, it must be said that It was a great tournament. It has now set a tone for all future episodes of IPL.

And more importantly, it has set the tone for the ensuing T20 World Cup starting from June 5, 2009.