After what has been two long years without hosting the IPL in India, this year finally brought the IPL caravan to Indian stadiums, along with the crowds.
A new sponsor in Tata, a new number of total teams, a new competition format - and, a new champion!
At the outset, it must be said that the biggest achievement was the fact that we could finally host the entire competition (despite a few hiccups on the way) in a pretty much uninterrupted and secure manner. Sure, there were a few occasions when it seemed like the odd positive results of a few players and support staff might threaten the continuation of at least the matches of those teams.
Even more importantly, everyone was praying that the infected individuals would not have spread the virus to others. This might have opened a Pandora's box of many unavoidable and uncontrollable factors, which could have led to discontinuation of the tournament.
So, the biggest achievement has got to be the fact that despite all challenges and constraints, IPL 2022 turned out to be a rousing success because each and every IPL match could be conducted relatively smoothly and with the active participation of all the fans in the stadium as well. Good job, everyone!
Another highlight was the number of close matches. Most matches turned out to be cliffhangers, with both the teams being in a position to win the match till as late as the 39th-40th over of the match. The mega auction ensured that every team had to now work with new personnel. Uncapped players needed time and confidence to flower and cement their places in their franchise's Playing XI
Despite coming with the pedigree of being the most successful teams in IPL history, Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings kept languishing at the bottom of the table. New times, new combinations, new challenges.
Talking of new combinations, a word of praise for the two new teams - Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants. Not many would have given them a chance but they went out, expressed themselves and played fearless cricket, proving many naysayers wrong.
Not to forget Rajasthan Royals, one of the best bowling attacks in the tournament and with the irrepressible Jos Buttler in sublime, red-hot form, they always remained force to contend with. Unfortunately, their overall batting performance and shoddy fielding on key occasions went on to let them down.
As always, one of the biggest pluses of such a tournament is that we also found many emerging stars, who did outstandingly well. Players like Umran Malik, Mohsin Khan, Rajat Patidar, R. Sai Kishore, Mukesh Choudhary - just a few names who made their mark and grabbed their opportunity with both hands in this IPL.
Speaking of emerging, it's time to doff our hat to the new emerging sensation - Hardik Pandya - who has emerged as another potential captain and leader of Indian cricket, after this season. His astute captaincy, calmness, composure, and batting prowess have already catapulted him to make a comeback in Team India for the upcoming T20s with South Africa.
Well done IPL, and see you next year!
As we wrap up the 'visarjan' of this year's IPL Ganpati, it's time to revel in its wonderful memories and probably chant "IPL spectacle ho riya, agle baras tu jaldi aa!"
Tata, IPL!
Jai Ho :)
