The fifth edition of the IPL was remarkable in many ways. Controversies and allegations took precedence over the game for a while before the real superstars returned to give the fans what they
truly deserved. From Gautam Gambhir’s captaincy to Ajinkya Rahane batting there were many highs to go with some notable lows. V. Balaji takes a ringside view of the events that unfolded over the last two
months.

Highs

Fans answer with their wallets

Most venues getting filled to capacity was a refreshing sight. The 2011 edition had poor turnouts mainly because of overkill. The fatigue after the World Cup had a strong effect but it was not to be this time around. The strong turnouts proved the league is alive and kicking. Fans were extremely loyal. Die-hards of Deccan Chargers were a prime example, in spite of the team not having the best season they never failed to cheer in large numbers and the team re-paid with stunning wins in their last two matches.

Gambhir’s inspired leadership

MS Dhoni calls Gambhir an aggressive captain and it is not without a reason. The Delhi lad has made a massive difference to KKR’s approach and attitude. The more important aspect is that Gambhir has not let the responsibility affect his batting. At a time when there was no successor to Dhoni in sight, Gambhir has emerged as a strong candidate.

Ajinkya Rahane’s consistency

To average 40 and also go at a strike rate close to 130 takes a lot of doing. Rahane came close to becoming the first Indian batsman to register two hundreds in the same season. Unlike one season wonders like Swapnil Asnodkar and Paul Valthathy, Rahane must go a long way, given his tight technique and good work ethics. Having tasted international cricket, Rahane does know what it takes to succeed at the highest level.

Parvinder Awana:

The Kings XI seamer displayed the heart of an oak tree. After a good Ranji season, Awana continued to excel in the shortest for mat as well. The conditions were not in his favour all the time yet he showed
remarkable discipline in bowling well within himself. The India A call up (even though as replacement for RP Singh) must be the tonic that will Awana higher.

Caribbean flair

At a time where the world is lamenting the decline of West Indian cricket, the Calypso charmers were at the productive best in the IPL. As Rahul Dravid pointed out, the likes of Sunil Narine and Chris Gayle
must have been in Lords playing the Test match instead of plying their trade in the IPL. Imagine the impact West Indies will have once all these players unit for their country again.

Lows

Scandalous second half

From Shahrukh Khan to Luke Pomersbach to sting operations, the league was in the news for all the wrong reasons. Each one of them could have been easily avoided. It was another stern remainder to BCCI to make cricket the focal point. Cricket does not need this especially at a time where the fans have just started showing faith in large numbers again.

Captains not remembering names

In general captains dreaded the toss but for a different reason. They not able to remember names of their own players or their inability to explained who has replaced whom turned out to be a major
embarrassment. Almost very skipper was caught off-guard. Dravid took the cake for not remembering the name of off-spinner Ajit Chandila who finished with a hat-trick in that game!

TV commentary was an apology

NS Sidhu cannot get more annoying while some other ‘imports’ continued to pronounce Indian names (including teams) in a peculiar way. Danny Morrison thinks he is funny and it is time the producers told him he is not. Same applies to L. Sivaramakrishnan who must be reminded that he is not doing anyone a favour by commenting on the game. Analysis wavered from ordinary to irritating although a few others tried to make up for the failures of their colleagues.

Slow over-rate

Experienced captains taking forever to get their quota of overs in was poor advertisement for the game. Bowlers at this level need not be told to do at the end of each delivery. It was bizarre to see some
teams taking nearly two hours to bowl their 20 overs. Fines will not do, docking of overs or awarding penalty runs looks like the only way forward.

Poor umpiring standards

Sure Rajasthan Royals would agree. They would have had the match against Mumbai Indians sealed if not for a poor decision. Lack of consistency while interpreting wides and no-balls was glaring. Many
players got away scot-free with their on field antics and there was no real attempt to push the over rate. It was certainly not the best year for the men in red.