22nd January, 2010
By Vikram Afzulpurkar
So, with Pakistan or without, P.T. Barnum's circus rolls on - the IPL is a larger than life show for the cricket world and there certainly ain't no business like it.
One or two countries are no loss
Old adages apart, this show business will attract an audience even if, hypothetically, three countries are not able to send their players. Just goes to show that our human imaginations can take in whatever's there and complete our entertainment. Yes, perhaps if a fourth country's players opt out can there be a dip in the popularity of the event, again marginally depending on which country.
Foolproof check
None of this is going to happen! We're just taking a rock-bottom situation check and the tournament still emerges a survivor, which only proves the theory of popularity of this event - After all Forbes lists the the IPL brand as the fourth hottest sporting property in the world. There was just the mild threat that the Aussies may not play but now, they're on.
My Favourites
Watch out for the innocuous Rajasthan Royals. They're so dangerous; even as they were bidding for their players during the auction, they stayed quiet and frugal, but neverthless trusting Warne's judgement via an ongoing telecon. Here's what makes Warne's team dangerous:
- He picks lesser known or unknown players who figure prominently in the XI and achieve their short-term targets.
- Handpicks his one lethal player - Watson earlier and/or Damien Martyn who will be seen in that role now
- Has a finger on the pulse as captain, coach, selector and can make last minute changes in the selection of the XI that'll benefit the side
- Dangerous bowler even for bowling just his stipulated four overs
- His side fought back against KKR last year almost defending about a 100 but for a few errors from the juniors
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