Ashwini Ponnappa, Jwala Gutta star attractions in IBL opener

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On the opening day of Indian Badminton League, Pune Pistons takes on Delhi Smashers. Here's a look at what to expect in the clash between the two teams.
Indian Badminton League promises IPL-like action
Pune Pistons:
The disgruntled Ashwini Ponnappa, whose base price was slashed without even taking the player into confidence, is the icon player for the Pune outfit. One of India's most celebrated doubles' specialists, she will certainly look to prove that she was worth every penny of her previous price. Although she will be participating only in mixed doubles, she will certainly be one of the star attractions on the inaugural day of IBL.
The other Indian doubles specialists in the Pune team include Arun Vishnu and Rupesh Kumar. Both the players have proven their potential at the international level. Rupesh also has a silver medal in the Commonwealth Games to show for his efforts. It will be interesting to see which one will partner Ponnappa in the mixed doubles event.
Juliane Schenk is yet another player whose presence is sure to kindle interest in those who have been following the game closely. Anup Sridhar and Saurabh Verma are the two more familiar Indian names in the Pune line-up and they too will look to live up to their billing.
Delhi Smashers:
Apart from Jwala Gutta, who caused a furore in the aftermath of her base price reduction, the Delhi outfit boasts many other Indian names including the likes of Sai Praneeth, V Diju. Gutta, despite being annoyed at the unfair cut in her base price, has announced that she will give IBL her all is and raring to have a go. Her experience at the global stage and her exploits at various international tournaments is sure to help her in IBL.
The 21-year-old Sai Praneeth, who is presently ranked 55th in the world, is one of India's rising shuttlers and one of whom many a great feat is expected. He will certainly embrace the IBL with all his heart and use it as a platform to hone his skills so that he can prove to be a formidable force in the international circuit.
Daren Liew of Malaysia is the international star who will certainly be closely watched. Ranked 12th in the world, Liew is among the best shuttlers in the world today and his presence is sure to invigorate the many Indian youngsters in the Delhi outfit. Arundathi Panthawane, who made headlines by breaking into the top 50, will certainly be one other Indian whose progress in IBL will be followed closely. A singles' specialist, Panthawane is said to be one of the rising stars of Indian badminton.