So, IPL 2 has finally drawn to an end. Cricket junkies needn't despair; they'll soon get their next fix from the T20 World Cup. Meanwhile, here's a (mostly) tongue-in-cheek look at the highs and lows of this year's tournament.
Finds of the tournament: Manish Pandey and Shadab Jakati. A lot more will surely be heard of these two young men. And Dirk Nannes, while no spring chicken, had a dream IPL debut right up till the semi-final, where it all went horribly wrong for him and Delhi Daredevils.
Most overhyped IPL debuts: Kamran Khan was supposed to be Shane Warne's secret weapon but himself ended up as the biggest victim of his suspect action. Flintoff and Pietersen hardly justified their fees. In fact, Pietersen's return to England after five matches, which put Kumble in the driver's seat, was probably the best thing that happened to Royal Challengers. Finally, Mashrafe Mortaza spent almost the entire tournament on the bench and when he did play, promptly handed Rohit Sharma a gift-wrapped 26-run over.
Evergreen legends: Hayden, Gilchrist, Kumble and Warne all proved that retirement doesn't hurt the skills of true champs. If anything, it may actually help. By the way, I was furiously criticised for picking Kumble in both my over-35 XI and IPL dream XI. No surprise there, even great batsmen have underestimated him over the years -- and paid for it. But after his amazing spell in the final, I hope I'll be forgiven for crowing a bit.
Incidentally, in a previous piece, I'd asked 'Do retired players make best IPL captains'? As it turned out, both the finalists were led by men who have retired from international cricket (Kumble and Gilchrist). Excuse me while I go caw-caw.
Sad sights: Not every great shone. Sourav Ganguly played a couple of sizzling knocks but was otherwise largely disappointing. Sachin Tendulkar confirmed, yet again, that captaincy is not his cup of tea, in any format. VVS Laxman and Chaminda Vaas were quickly benched after some disastrous performances. But at least they all got a chance to play. Poor Glenn McGrath never got to bowl even one ball in anger.
Innings of the tournament: Many contenders, including the two centuries by de Villiers and Pandey, and Ross Taylor's 33-ball 81 against Knight Riders. For sheer impact and breathtaking brutality, though, it's hard to beat Gilchrist's 35-ball 85 which left the Daredevils dazed.
Best over by a bowler: Again, lots of contenders in a tournament which saw bowlers playing a big role and three hat-tricks. My vote would go to Irfan Pathan denying Rohit Sharma and Deccan Chargers right at the end, and Munaf Patel keeping his head even as Mumbai's batsmen lost theirs in a dramatic final over. Of course, this being cricket, Munaf was smashed for 25 runs in one over by Delhi Daredevils shortly thereafter.
Talk of irony: IPL 1's No. 8 won IPL 2, and No. 7 finished second. Also, the highest score of IPL 2 was 211-4, by Rajasthan Royals. The lowest score? 58, also by Rajasthan Royals!
Most thrilling match: Many matches went right down to the last ball, but only one went beyond: the Super Over which was won by Rajasthan Royals. No one who saw that match will forget it in a hurry.
Sweet revenge: The next time Rajasthan Royals and Knight Riders played, the Knights beat the defending champs to knock them out of the tournament. Also, Royal Challengers were thrashed by 92 runs by Chennai Super Kings in their first league encounter, but responded by beating them twice, including in the semi-final. And Deccan Chargers lost to Royal Challengers in a largely tension-free final league match, but beat them in the game that really counted.
Funniest moment: One frisky dog successfully foiled the best efforts of ground staffers to lure him off the field, even as several strapping cricketers maintained a discreet distance.
Saddest moment: Brendon McCullum's despair as he played a blistering knock, then took a brilliant catch, and still ended up on the losing side as Ross Taylor played a blinder for Royal Challengers.
IPL owner we most want to hug: Preity Zinta. The finance ministry should consider imposing a fringe benefits tax on all the Kings XI players at the receiving end of Ms Zinta's jhappies.
IPL owner we most want to scold: Shah Rukh, Shah Rukh. Good boys don't take potshots at living legends, especially when those legends go on to be proved right. If someone criticises your movies, will you now say that they should go make their own? In which case, who will watch yours?
And finally, a chain SMS that's doing the rounds that I can't resist putting up: Next year's IPL will be in Pakistan. The cheerleaders will wear burkhas, the security will be provided by the Taliban and al-Qaida and there will be a bomb blast after every sixer and wicket!
Cheers and see you soon at the T20 World Cup!
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