WHILE IT is pathetic to see Kings XI Punjab struggling at the bottom of Indian Premier League-II table, ‘Prince’ Yuvraj Singh must be surely missing his pacers Brett Lee and S Sreesanth, currently nursing their injuries in South Africa.
Now, the skipper’s only hope is all-rounder Irfan Pathan who is known to fire his all cylinders in a crisis situation a la the other Pathan last night. Well, it remains to be seen how successful this Pathan proves himself with ball and bat against the Bangalore Royal Challengers in Durban later tonight and does Punjab proud.
With virtually no experienced player on his side, Yuvi’s cup of sorrows seems to be overflowing. The same is the case with petite Preity Zinta whose apparent Bollywood glam and glitter have started to lose its sheen. After all, success has its own glow, which, unfortunately, is eluding the team she is heading.
As Punjab is limbering up to take on Bangalore, one can only pray for a miracle for Yuvraj and his men. With experienced Rahul Dravid and Anil Kumble on their side, the Challengers certainly looks a better side on paper despite the fact that they too had their own tale of woes in this IPL, marred by bad weather, serious injuries and controversies.
Since hard-hitting is the order of the day in these Twenty-20 matches, one can surely enjoy good cricket later today with some heavy doses of fours and sixes from Yuvi, Dravid and Pathan. On the other hand, Kumble will enthrall the Durban crowd with his classic spin attack.
A rich blend of youth and experience. Well, that was the basic idea when the IPL teams were formed. With most of the young brigade failing to shine, it is no doubt the ‘golden oldies’ who are currently stealing the thunder.
After all, it does take years to sparkle in the international cricketing arena – to make men out of boys!
It is just a stroke of luck that while few players got injured before this elite tournament, others could not make it because of one reason or the other. On a positive note, the crowd can really get a chance to see some ‘strokes of genius’ every other day. After all, cricket-lovers cannot ask for more when each and every player worth his salt is playing his hearts out.
According to reports from South Africa, the advertisers too seems to be getting the full worth of their every penny spent. Though it is the election time in that country too, but it seems to have a little impact on the swelling crowds in the stadiums, both in Cape Town and Durban.
Television and online advertisers too never had it so good. With Sony Television having exclusive telecast rights, viewers in India and abroad are really enjoying watching their ‘demi-gods’ playing in the Rainbow land.
Now with weather gods relenting a bit, one can hope to see a good cricket tonight and the days to come, especially the coming weekend. Since Durban is known for its dicey weather, one can just hope for a clear sky tonight.
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