The Indian Premium League ( IPL ), the cricket carnival in its 15th edition this year has a different look and feel and particularly with two new teams in Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants, the competition has become much more intense and electric. The standard of play too has been exceptional and of the highest levels.
The thrilling cricket notwithstanding, the addition of Lucknow Super Giants, the team from my city has made me very excited, right from the time the team was announced. The owners RP-Sanjeev Goenka Group did a fabulous job by initially roping in the majestic KL Rahul as captain and then at the auctions too they put up an excellent team. The results are for all to see.
Lucknow Super Giants ( LSG ) have played some riveting cricket so far led by KL Rahul who has already scored two centuries and is playing like a dream. Leading from the front KL Rahul’s job as captain has become that much easier. A performing leader compliments the team, raises loyalty and commitment of the team members, eventually leading to a successful campaign. The team has won 5 of their 8 matches so far ( beating Mumbai Indians twice ) and though they have lost 3 matches, the losses have been close and the team did not go down without a seering fight.
It is so heartening to see the gumption and steely spirit of the players. Everyone in the team has chipped in and contributed. Though Quinton De Cock has still to light up the tournament with his attacking strokeplay, he did play a couple of decisive innings. Manish Pandey, though had a bad start, is slowly finding his groove. Deepak Hooda and Ayush Badoni ( one of the finds of the IPL this year ) have lent more than a helping hand, whereas Avesh Khan, Jason Holder, Ravi Bishnoi, Krunal Pandya and Mohsin Khan have been exceptional with the ball. The rise of Dushmantha Chameera has added bite to this team with his pace and movement troubling a many this IPL. It would be fair to say that LSG has bowled and defended totals brilliantly. And let us not forget the brute force of Marcus Stoinis.
KL Rahul, however, is the spellbinding story of the tournament this year alongwith Jos Butler. If Jos is the Boss, KL Rahul has been the Czar, so far. He has displayed some remarkable temperament and skill which separates him from the rest. He operates in a totally different plane. There is no brute force, but sublime touch. There is lot of thought and a clear mind. Though KL Rahul may be a Bengaluru boy, he has already found a second home in Lucknow and there is no denying that he is bound to get lots of love from this great City.
Lucknow is a city of great history and tradition. A city rich in culture, its tehzeeb is unparalleled and so is its cuisine. Lucknow is a city a mere mention of which softens the heart, laced with emotions, so compelling . I hope to see LSG play in Lucknow next year, so that the players are able to witness and experience the warmth and affection of Lucknow. It is to be seen how far the team will progress this year, but the captivating cricket displayed by them so far, has deservedly made them earn a place in the heart of Lucknowites, and there is no doubt that I am rooting very very hard for my Team.
A mesmerising, enrapturing Lucknow and an enthralling, gripping LSG… I just could not have asked for more this summer.