5 reasons why the IPL is one of its kind

Midway through the fifth season, we have been seeing the craze around all the teams, that have been hyped so much. Yes, India has hit the nail on its head by coming up with the most interesting league tournament amongst all countries. One can’t help but think why. What is so special about the Indian Premier League that keeps it a mile away from other tournaments?Here are five reasons that help clear the question:

1) Unpredictable finishes

The first season saw Deccan Chargers finish at the bottom of the table, whereas the next season saw them get the jackpot. It is not only just comebacks, but also turnarounds in games that spark up the matches. That is why, whether a team scores 200 or 100, the probability of chasing remains the same. We just saw the other day, when CSK needed 42 off 3 overs, they managed to rise from the dead and chase it – the game going down to the wire. On the other hand, Mumbai, who scored a meager 120 managed to contain an in-form Pune to 119 and win by 1 run. This keeps the crowd on their feet as they expect a feast of a game every time their eleven players walk onto the pitch.

2) Domestic Talent

This year has yet again posed questions for the selectors with back-to-back tournament losses for India in the CB series and the Asia cup and which could lead them to turn their heads towards the IPL. Giving opportunities to domestic talent has been the main objective of this league and the plan has been working thus far. We have seen so many players including the likes of Ravindra Jadeja and Pragyan Ojha being given the opportunity to represent the national side after performing well in the first few editions. More recently, Ajinkya Rahane has been knocking on the door.

In fact, it is the case not just with India. International countries’ domestic players get a chance to shine and grasp some attention from their respective boards. For example, Shaun Marsh caught the eyes of the Australian selectors after his immaculate performance in the first edition of the IPL. This time around, Kevon Cooper and du Plessis have been remarkable this time and have already got a few nods of appreciations.

3) Glamour and the fans

As we know, viewership of the Indian Premier League is more than any other in the world. This is not only for the quality of the cricket played, but also because of the celebrity quotient attached to it. A tournament that once started with Bollywood stars performing, now has started inviting stars like Katy Perry to perform for the public to raise the TRPs. Also, famous owners like Shahrukh Khan and Preity Zinta automatically have their fans behind them to back the teams they own, whether they’re cricket lovers or not.

4) Pressure reliever and form reviver

Being continuously in touch with the game in a league with top stars, helps players keep in shape when international duty calls. Like we all know, Chris Gayle‘s banter with the selectors had him ousted from the team. This was bound to frustrate the Jamaican and he vented all he felt on the Indian pitches, with the new balls being asked for after every delivery, when he dispatched them into the crowd and sometimes out of the stadium. Such classy play, would force the selectors into making amends with him.

5) The Aura

The feeling that the Indian Premier league generates when its around the corner, starts and even during the climax, is breathtaking. Bangladesh and Sri Lanka tried to copy it but failed terribly.

Be it the sensational catches, the nervy run-outs, the hammering innings or the fighting climaxes, it all makes the league one of it’s kind.

After all “Yeh IPL hai boss!”.