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TRP-hungry TV shows, masala news debates, scripted reality shows step aside – it’s time for a cocktail of all three. Yes, IPL is back and the cricketing world is abuzz with festive cheer. So, as we join these celebrations and gear up to cheer for our favourite teams in the following days, let’s have a look at the good, the bad and the ugly of IPL. 
 
THE GOOD 
As the eighty eight warriors from eight teams get set go, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) with its amazing win-loss ratio seems to be a hot favourite. CSK’s bright track record evolves from its achievement in making it to the final four in previous seven IPL tournaments. Having won two IPL titles, it has played four finals till date. Of 115 matches played in IPL, CSK has won 69 and lost only 44; thereby, attaining the best win-loss ratio of 1.57. 
 
THE BAD While they were there in first and the last IPL played, Kings XI Punjab, the Ness Wadia co-owned team has failed to qualify for the final four in 5 IPL tournaments. With a Win-Loss Ratio of 1.10, it has found a companion in <keyword id="13802" type="CITY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Rajasthan-Royals">Rajasthan Royals</keyword> in terms of not-up-to-the-mark performance. Rajasthan Royals has won 54 out of 104 matches. However, the only consolation for Rajasthan Royals over its comparison to the bhangra brigade is its victory in the first IPL edition. 
 
THE UGLY Though Delhi Daredevil has made it to the Final Four <keyword id="108404" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="thrice">thrice</keyword>, yet its performance had been the poorest. Having lost 59 matches out of 105, it has the lowest win-loss ratio of 0.75. Now with <keyword id="351" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Yuvraj-Singh">Yuvraj Singh</keyword> in their court, Delhi finally aspires to hit a home run, something that IPL followers are also looking forward to this season. 
 
KNOCK(OUT) STAR With power and panache being their sole mantra, <keyword id="6354925" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Kolkata">Kolkata</keyword> Knight Riders have always been the IPL queen bee. Having raised the trophy twice in 7 seasons, KKR is known for its knockout skills. The achievement is based on KKR’s 77% victory in the final-four stage. 
 
<keyword id="161142" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Best-Buy">BEST BUY</keyword> Ever since the IPL was conceptualized, player auction has become the norm. Though auction rates vary from time to time, this year’s IPL auction has found in Yuvraj Singh an extravagance. Having bought by <keyword id="13845" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Delhi-Dare-Devils">Delhi Dare Devils</keyword> for Rs 16 crores, ex Royal Challenger Bangalore, Yuvi has recently made headlines for his venturing to support young entrepreneurs. 
 The 3 best buys in the IPL this season are: Yuvraj Singh (Delhi Dare Devils) for Rs 16 crore, Dinesh Karthik( <keyword id="12643" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="Royal-Challengers">Royal Challengers</keyword> Bangalore) for Rs 10.5 crore, and <keyword id="125980" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Angelo-Matthews">Angelo Matthews</keyword> (Delhi Dare Devils) for Rs 7.5 crore. 
 The lowest bargains this year are: Hanuma Vihari of <keyword id="1494441" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Sunrisers-Hyderabad">Sunrisers Hyderabad</keyword>, Sumit Narwal of Kolkata Knight Riders, Akshay Wakhare of <keyword id="13880" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Mumbai-Indians">Mumbai Indians</keyword>, Shishir Bhavenane of Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Brainder Sran of Rajasthan Royals. All of these players have been sold for Rs 10 lakh in the IPL auction that happened this February. 
 However, it’s definitely surprising that acclaimed players like <keyword id="22772" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Kumar-Sangakkara">Kumar Sangakkara</keyword>, <keyword id="23015" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Mahela-Jayawardene">Mahela Jayawardene</keyword>, <keyword id="70374" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Tillakaratne-Dilshan">Tillakaratne Dilshan</keyword> and Shadab Jakati found no takers in the latest season of IPL. 
 
 
 
 
(Statistics courtesy : Wikipedia) 
 (Image: <keyword id="-101" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="India-Times">India Times</keyword>)

The good, the bad and the ugly of the IPL

On the eve of their second game at Ahmedabad, <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/tillakaratne-mudiyanselage-dilshan/9001/9034">Tillakaratne Dilshan</a> had explained how a total in the region of 280-300 had become a norm in 50-over cricket, especially after the new field restrictions were put in place. His words were almost prophetic as after being restricted to 274, <keyword id="6355572" type="COUNTRY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sri-Lanka">Sri Lanka</keyword> weren't able to control a rampaging Indian batting order that finished off the job with six wickets in hand and 5.3 overs to spare, going 2-0 up in the five-match series and moving ever so close towards taking an unassailable lead. 
 
The pre-match buzz centred mostly around local lad <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/akshar-rajeshbhai-patel/4001/31051">Akshar Patel's</a> first international match at his home ground, but even as he impressed with his accurate left-arm spin in the middle overs to stifle Sri Lanka, <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/ambati-thirupathi-rayudu/4001/31025">Ambati Rayudu</a> walked away with the honours near his adopted home - Baroda - where he plays his domestic cricket. He has mostly been confined to a back-up role in a star-studded line-up, but has made the most of the limited opportunities he has had so far, and returning not out on 121* (118b, 10x4, 4x6) after setting up the chase would have been doubly satisfying. 
 
 
 
India went into the game with three spinners on a Motera surface that looked like it would assist the medium pacers more, but <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/virat-kohli/4001/25007">Virat Kohli's</a> ploy worked wonders as Sri Lanka were kept to 274 for 8 in the day/night fixture. The visitors put in a better batting effort as compared to Cuttack, but <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/angelo-davis-mathews/9001/9058">Angelo Mathews</a> - whose 92* (101b, 10x4, 1x6) added some solidity to the total - would have been kicking himself for not capitalizing on what looked like a good toss to win. 
 India's run chase wasn't perfect in any way after Ajinkya Rahane was removed by Dhammika Prasad in the seventh over for 8, caught brilliantly by <keyword id="23015" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mahela-Jayawardene">Mahela Jayawardene</keyword> at slip on rebound after wicketkeeper <keyword id="22772" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kumar-Sangakkara">Kumar Sangakkara</keyword> had spilled a regulation chance. To their credit, Sri Lanka's pacers began well and Lahiru Gamage could have had Dhawan for 10 in the eighth over when the umpire turned down a frantic appeal for caught behind. 
 
Promoted to No. 3, Rayudu, along with <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/shikhar-dhawan/4001/28004">Shikhar Dhawan</a> consolidated for long periods before laying into the change bowlers, and Dhawan took the lead after reaching his seventh ODI half-century. As Dhawan accelerated by taking 16 off a Thisara Perera over, Rayudu continued to play the accumulator, and wasn't until the left-hander holed out to deep square leg off Seekkuge Prasanna for 79 (80b, 7x4, 1x6) did Rayudu decide to step it up. 
 Rayudu was particularly impressive against Sri Lanka's spinners, nimble on his feet as he took boundaries and sixes off them with ease, and exercised restraint when the bowlers were on top. After adding 122 with Dhawan, Rayudu combined with <keyword id="6354486" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Virat-Kohli">Virat Kohli</keyword> to add 116 more as the asking rate dropped significantly. Kohli (49, 44b, 2x4, 2x6) and <keyword id="14587" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Suresh-Raina">Suresh Raina</keyword> (14, 6b, 1x4, 1x6) fell in quick succession to Prasanna (3/53) towards the end, but Rayudu ensured India closed the chase without much drama. 
 
Mathews' innings in the afternoon had turned out to be pivotal, as with Kumar Sangakkara (61, 86b, 4x4) they added 90 vital runs that revived Sri Lanka's innings after being reduced to 64 for 3 in the 14th over. But unlike India who had decided to take their batting Powerplay early at Cuttack, Mathews and Sangakkara held back and only chose to go for it in the 32nd over, and lost three wickets during that period, losing Sangakkara, Prasanna and Ashan Priyanjan while adding just 30. 
 Umesh Yadav, who had begun with the wicket of Kusal Perera in the very first over of the innings, returned to break the threatening stand when Sangakkara smacked a full toss straight to Dhawan's at long on, while Akshar Patel delivered another impressive spell of 2/39 in front of cheering home fans. <keyword id="6359948" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ravindra-Jadeja">Ravindra Jadeja</keyword>, who was included in place of the injured <keyword id="6370607" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Varun-Aaron">Varun Aaron</keyword>, went for plenty (1/64) but R Ashwin (2/49) and Patel ensured the wickets continued to tumble. 
 Yadav and <keyword id="11685" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ishant-Sharma">Ishant Sharma</keyword> bowled a tidy opening spell and kept things tight until Tillakaratne Dilshan and Sangakkara stuck up a breezy partnership, and Dilshan somewhat broke the shackles by belting four consecutive boundaries in Ashwin's first over. But Patel struck with the second ball of his spell when he bowled Dilshan in the next over, and Mahela Jayawardene could only muster 4 before scooping one straight to midwicket off Ashwin. Sri Lanka's stuttering innings was revived by Mathews and Dhammika Prasad (30*, 28b, 4x4) towards the end, as the pair put on 54 for the ninth wicket and played out their full quota of overs.

Ambati Rayudu's Maiden Ton Takes India 2-0 Up

Cuttack: India's poor showing with the white ball, especially in the death overs has been troubling the team as recently as the abandoned series against the West Indies, but their fast bowlers gave a favourable account of themselves during a comprehensive 169-run win over <keyword id="6355572" type="COUNTRY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sri-Lanka">Sri Lanka</keyword> in their first game of the series on Sunday. While the batsmen continued to dominate the performances with <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/shikhar-dhawan/4001/28004">Shikhar Dhawan</a> and <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/ajinkya-madhukar-rahane/4001/32045">Ajinkya Rahane</a> hitting fluent centuries, it was the pace bowling triumvirate of <keyword id="149050" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Umesh-Yadav">Umesh Yadav</keyword>, <keyword id="6370607" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Varun-Aaron">Varun Aaron</keyword> and <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/ishant-sharma/4001/4094">Ishant Sharma</a> that impressed under lights and heavy dew at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. 
 
An early start to day/night fixtures on account of the dew prompted Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews to put the hosts in to bat, but an extremely good batting surface, coupled by rapid centuries from Rahane ​(111, 108b, 13x4, 2x6) and Dhawan ​(113, 107b, 14x4, 3x6) took out any advantage the chasing side may have had. The Indian openers added 231 runs in 35 overs, and despite their quick dismissals soon after, the middle order powered them to 363 for 5 in the first game of the five-match contest. 
 
In reply Sri Lanka were bowled out for 194 inside 40 overs, with Ishant picking up 4 for 34 - his best bowling figures in ODI cricket - to highlight an eye-catching performance from the Indian seamers, even though India would be sweating over the status of Aaron, who had hobbled off the field while bowling his fifth over with a thigh strain. While India impressed, Sri Lanka were left to rue their poor bowling performance and the batsmen's inability to put pressure on India's bowlers instead, with only <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/denagamage-proboth-mahela-de-silva-jayawardene/9001/9003">Mahela Jayawardene</a> (43, 36b, 6x4, 1x6) looking comfortable in the middle until hitting straight into Virat Kohli's hands off Akshar Patel. 
 The Sri Lankan batsmen would have expected some freebies especially early on with the new ball, but Yadav and Aaron began probingly, repeatedly beating the outside edges of both <keyword id="352871" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Upul-Tharanga">Upul Tharanga</keyword> and Tillakaratne Dilshan. India's pace bowling duo cranked up the pace from the start and the Sri Lankan openers struggled to time the ball. Dilshan fell to Yadav caught behind for 18 in the ninth over and Sri Lanka had failed to get a move on. <keyword id="22772" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kumar-Sangakkara">Kumar Sangakkara</keyword>'s wicket for 13 made matters worse, and the trend of regular wickets continued right until the last wicket. 
 Dhammika Prasad and debutant Lahiru Gamage, opening the bowling in the absence of the injured <keyword id="64162" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Lasith-Malinga">Lasith Malinga</keyword> and Nuwan Kulasekara - not picked for this game - had earlier kept the Indian openers quiet as Gamage even slipped in a maiden over, but Rahane and Dhawan hit their groove soon after. They were also helped by two rare tough chances put down by Kumar Sangakkara, but aside from that they were seldom troubled on a batting paradise. 
 
Run-fests are common in limited overs contests played in India, but what was encouraging in terms of Virat Kohli's captaincy was India's decision to take the batting Powerplay early, allowing the openers to step up the scoring rate between overs 23 and 28. Dhawan and Rahane took 62 runs in those five overs as they capitalized on the fielding restrictions, as opposed to the usual ploy to take the Powerplay towards the latter stages of the game. 
 Suraj Randiv (3/78) and Ashan Priyanjan managed to pull the hosts back by sending back Rahane and Dhawan respectively, but the damage had already been done. <keyword id="14587" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Suresh-Raina">Suresh Raina</keyword>, playing his 200th one-day international, also completed 5000 ODI runs while scoring a brisk 34-ball 52, before being trapped leg before by Randiv. Quick wickets towards the end didn't allow India to reach that 400-run mark, but Kohli (22), Ambati Rayudu (27) and Akshar Patel (14*) ensured they weren't too far behind. 
 
Brief scores: India 363/7 in 50 overs (Dhawan 113, Rahane 111; Randiv 3/78) beat Sri Lanka 194 in 39.2 overs (Jayawardene 43; Ishant 4/34, Yadav 2/24, Akshar 2/24) by 169 runs

Ishant, Openers Power India To 169-Run Win

In terms of ambition, the Champions League T20 was to be the perfect tool to showcase, and popularise, franchise cricket. It was modelled on the UEFA Champions League, with clubs from cricketing nations teaming up for a short T20 event. But into its sixth edition, it hasn't delivered on the promise front. The <keyword id="6354312" type="CITY" weightage="80" keywordseo="IPL">IPL</keyword> in India is still the benchmark, and the involvement of international teams somehow fails to pique interest among fans who get behind their local franchises (a reason to include a fourth Indian team). From September 13, however, up until October 4, the disappointments of the England tour will be forgotten, and cricket's shortest format will once again drum up the entertainment before the home season in India gets under way. 
 
In many ways, the timeframe set apart for the Champions League is about perfect for a T20 competition. The IPL lasts two months; back-to-back games in the middle of the Indian summer making it an annual TV soap opera. The expectancy of home advantage is less; teams from South Africa, Australia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and New Zealand make it a more global event, and the chance to see several international players, who could soon be seen being snapped up by several franchises in next year's IPL. The Champions League then is the IPL's poorer cousin, but the unpredictable nature of the competition could make it for interesting viewing. 
 
Chhattisgarh's Raipur International Cricket Stadium will host the six qualifiers featuring Lahore Lions (Pakistan), Mumbai Indians (India), Northern Knights (New Zealand) and Southern Express (Sri Lanka), before the main league kicks off with games scheduled in Hyderabad, Mohali and Bangalore. Gocricket.com takes a look at the teams making up the competition: 
 
Kolkata Knight Riders: The IPL champions gained direct entry into the league stages by virtue of their title triumph a few months ago, but have been hampered by injuries to Morne Morkel and <keyword id="258312" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Chris-Lynn">Chris Lynn</keyword>, who have been ruled out of the tournament, as was Shakib Al Hasan, serving a disciplinary sanction by the Bangladesh Cricket Board. The Indian domestic season was over before the IPL meaning several Indian players will be without practice, a situation that forced <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/yusuf-pathan/30001/4096">Yusuf Pathan</a>, <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/piyush-chawla/30001/4089">Piyush Chawla</a>, <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/manvinder-bisla/30001/27013">Manvinder Bisla</a> and <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/kuldeep-yadav/30001/4133">Kuldeep Yadav</a> to undergo a boot camp in South Africa. <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/gautam-gambhir/30001/4043">Gautam Gambhir</a>, the inspirational two-time IPL-winning captain, however, is back playing franchise cricket after a nightmarish return to the Indian team on the England tour. Gambhir would have to brush aside that traumatic experience to lead his troops. 
 
Perth Scorchers: Like KKR, Perth Scorchers triumphed at the Big Bash League, but like the Indian franchise, they too come into the tournament with a depleted squad. Simon Katich was their leading run-getter but is not available, nor is Shaun Marsh, who was injured. The franchise will rely heavily on <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/mitchell-marsh/1001/27022">Mitchell Marsh</a>, who is coming off a successful trip with the Australian team in Zimbabwe. 
 
Dolphins: Winners of South Africa's domestic T20 competition, Dolphins make their Champions League bow under former South Africa wicketkeeper-batsman Morne van Wyk, who has previously turned out for KKR. With <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/david-miller/8001/8076">David Miller</a> opting to play for Kings XI Punjab, the Dolphins squad will miss the services of their explosive batsman, but <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/kyle-abbott/8001/29036">Kyle Abbott</a>'s presence in the bowling line-up gives them some international quality. 
 
Barbados Tridents: The 2014 Caribbean Premier League champions will be without <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/dwayne-smith/26001/10043">Dwayne Smith</a>, Shoaib Malik and <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/kieron-pollard/31001/10060">Kieron Pollard</a> but still have enough quality to surprise bigger teams. Zimbabwe's hard-hitting ODI captain <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/elton-chigumbura/11001/11033">Elton Chigumbura</a>, James Franklin and <keyword id="1319274" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="Dilshan-Munaweera">Dilshan Munaweera</keyword> will bolster the batting, while Ravi Rampaul will lead the bowling attack. 
 
Kings XI Punjab: KXIP turned out to be the surprise package of the IPL and despite falling short of a maiden title, turned heads with their all-round performances. Despite an injury to Sandeep Sharma, who was a revelation with the new ball, the KXIP line-up screams quality under the astute leadership of <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/george-bailey/29001/26015">George Bailey</a>. Add to that the explosive batting order comprising <keyword id="7567" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Virender-Sehwag">Virender Sehwag</keyword>, <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/glenn-maxwell/29001/36006">Glenn Maxwell</a>, David Miller and Thisara Perera. 
 
Hobart Hurricanes: Bailey's absence from the Hurricanes has given discarded Australian wicketkeeper-batsman <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/tim-paine/1001/1088">Tim Paine</a> a chance to step up. Former Pakistan captain <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/shoaib-malik/7001/7011">Shoaib Malik</a> will give the side important advice about playing on subcontinent surfaces, while Chennai Super Kings' pace bowling duo – Doug Bollinger and Ben Hilfenhaus – would know a thing or two about their former team. Aiden Blizzard and Ben Dunk add muscle to their batting order. 
 
Cape Cobras: After falling two runs short of the Ram Slam T20 title, Cape Cobras will be out to go one better at the Champions League with a team full of South Africa's top players. Justin Ontong has at his service the class of <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/hashim-amla/8001/8034">Hashim Amla</a>, <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/jp-duminy/8001/8053">JP Duminy</a> and Vernon Philander, and their most successful domestic spinner, Dane Piedt. Veterans Justin Kemp and Robin Peterson are sure to lift the team with their all-round skills. 
 
Chennai Super Kings: CSK are out to emulate Mumbai Indians by attempting a second title. Free from international duty, <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/ms-dhoni/26001/4057">MS Dhoni</a> will look to his franchise to give his much-criticised captaincy a boost. Their all-round T20 skill under the Indian captain makes them one of the most feared sides in the competition. 
 
Besides the sure-shot contenders, four teams will contest the qualifying stages with two of them set to go through: 
 
Mumbai Indians: The defending CLT20 champions had to endure a difficult IPL but emerged late to snatch fourth place to earn a shot at a title defence. For majority of the competition, MI suffered by failing to field the right combinations and captain Rohit Sharma's absence means fellow seniors like Kieron Pollard, <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/harbhajan-singh/31001/4008">Harbhajan Singh</a> and <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/lasith-malinga/31001/9036">Lasith Malinga</a> will have to step up. Star signing Corey Anderson's lack of form was a subject of great debate during the competition, but his game-changing 94 against Rajasthan Royals proved how dangerous the side could be with the big players firing. 
 
Lahore Lions: Pakistan's T20 champions had to endure a difficult passage into India with a visa delay, but on match day, their quality is set to leave an impact on the competition. The absence of Pakistani players from the IPL means the Lions will lend additional charm to the event, and the team is full of quality with six Pakistan internationals – <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/ahmed-shehzad/7001/7070">Ahmed Shehzad</a>, Umar Akmal, Nasir Jamshed, Aizaz Cheema, Wahab Riaz and captain Mohammad Hafeez. 
 
Nothern Knights: <keyword id="13837" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Daniel-Vettori">Daniel Vettori</keyword>'s withdrawal from the competition wouldn't affect the side that already boasts of <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/kane-williamson/6001/6071">Kane Williamson</a>, Trent Boult, Tim Southee, BJ Watling and Ish Sodhi, the fulcrum of the revival in New Zealand cricket. Scott Styris brings in years of experience, most importantly of having played in India on several occasions. 
 
Southern Express: Without Lasith Malinga and <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/tillakaratne-dilshan/9001/9034">Tillakaratne Dilshan</a>, the Sri Lankan side does look weak but expect them to fight tooth and nail. The familiarity with conditions in the subcontinent will make them a force to reckon with.

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The good, the bad and the ugly of the IPL

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Ambati Rayudu's Maiden Ton Takes India 2-0 Up

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Ishant, Openers Power India To 169-Run Win

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CLT20: Another Shot At Winning Over The IPL Faithful

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